Making the Rounds- Summer 2020

SICKLE CELL VIRTUAL REALITY

Dr. Issa and Dr. Grandhe have been working with Mrs. Harper, a Kern Medical sickle cell patient, using non-opiod interventions, including Virtual Reality for pain management.

A cute

Vaso-Occlusive Crisis (VOC) is the most common complication in

than 100,000 predominantly African Americans living with Sickle Cell Disease suffer from discrimination and poor care, with up to 50% longer wait times in the emergency department compared to other pain patients. With the opioid crisis at its peak, sickle cell patients in excruciating pain are far more likely to be seen as drug seekers with addiction problems, rather than patients in dire need. Recognizing the challenges that lay ahead and desperate to find a solution after witnessing these patients in pain, it is our hope that a new, affordable, state-of-the- art, portable device can provide a much needed alternative for this neglected population with the use

patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disease resulting in sickle shaped red blood cells. VOC leads to pain crisis which, without adequate treatment, often results in prolonged inpatient hospitalizations and even death. A pain crisis occurs when sickled red blood cells block the small blood vessels carrying blood to the bones, resulting in sudden increased pain that may last from hours to days. Historically and nationally, there has been very little clinical research done for sickle cell patients focused on pain management. Sickle Cell Disease affects a disproportionately high number of African Americans. It is important to note that more

11