Physician Attitude, Awareness, and Knowledge Regarding Guidelines for Transcranial Doppler Screening in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Objective. We explored factors that may influence physician adherence to transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening guidelines among children with sickle cell disease. Methods. Pediatric hematologists, neurologists, and primary care physicians (n = 706) responded to a mailed survey in May 2012 exploring factors hypothesized to influence physician adherence to TCD screening guidelines: physician (internal) barriers and physician-perceived external barriers. Responses were compared by specialty using chi-square tests. Results. Among 276 physicians (44%), 141 currently treated children with sickle cell disease; 72% recommend screening. Most primary care physicians (66%) did not feel well informed regarding TCD guidelines, in contrast to neurologists (25%) and hematologists (6%, P < .0001). Proportion of correct answers on knowledge questions was low (13%-35%). Distance to a vascular laboratory and low patient adherence were external barriers to receipt of TCD screening. Conclusions. Additional research regarding physicians’ lack of self-efficacy and knowledge of recommendations could help clarify their role in recommendation of TCD screening.