Clinical nurse specialist as facilitator of interdisciplinary collaborative program for adult sickle cell population.

This article describes the evolution, implementation, and outcomes of a collaborative interdisciplinary inpatient program designed to improve the quality of healthcare provided to adult patients with sickle cell disease. Efforts by the clinical nurse specialist were directly responsible for improved patient education, more efficacious treatment of painful crises, and increased specialty consultation. Staff and patient satisfaction with the program have been very encouraging, and a city-wide initiative that embraces a comprehensive approach to the global care of this special needs population has been designed and is currently being implemented.