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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
A randomized controlled trial studying the effectiveness of group medical appointments on self-efficacy and adherence
Marlous J Madderom1, Jessica Heijdra1, Elisabeth M W J Utens2
1Department of Pediatric Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 80, PO Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is endemic in non-Western countries. Due to migration, the prevalence of SCD in the Netherlands has increased. Adherence to medical treatment is recognized as a major problem area. Therefore, new effective interventions to increase adherence are urgently needed.
Methods/Design:
The TEAM study is an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare protocolized individual medical appointments (IMA's; care-as-usual) with protocolized group medical appointments (GMA's; novel intervention) in pediatric (n = 40) and adult (n = 60) patients. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of GMA's (over a three year period) on patients' self-efficacy, adherence, quality of life, morbidity, hospital admissions and satisfaction with the treating professional; as well as to test the cost-effectiveness of GMA's. In both the IMA and GMA groups structured assessments will be performed at baseline (start of the study), after 1.5 and after 3 years.
Discussion:
This is the first RCT to investigate the effectiveness of GMA's on self-efficacy and adherence in pediatric and adult patients with SCD, including a cost-effectiveness analysis.
Trial Registration:
NTR4750 (NL42182.000.12). Registered 13 August 2014.
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