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An implementation trial to mAnage siCkle CELl disEase through incReased AdopTion of hydroxyurEa in Nigeria (ACCELERATE): Study protocol

Peprah E, Gyamfi J, Patena J, Kayalioglu H, Hameed T, Ogedegbe G, Do H, Ojji D et al.

PloS one, 2025

Abstract

Background: Despite the proven efficacy of evidence-based healthcare interventions in reducing adverse outcomes and mortality associated with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a vast majority of affected individuals in Africa remain deprived of such care. Hydroxyurea (HU) utilization among SCD patients in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) stands at less than 1%, while in Nigeria, approximately 13% of patients benefit from HU therapy. To enhance HU utilization, targeted implementation strategies addressing provider-level barriers are imperative. Existing evidence underscores the significance of addressing barriers such as inadequate healthcare worker training to improve HU adoption. The ACCELERATE study aims to evaluate the adoption of HU among providers through the Screen, Initiate, and Maintain (SIM) intervention, facilitated by healthcare worker training, clinical reminders, and task-sharing strategies, thereby enhancing patient-level SCD management in Nigeria.

Methods: This study will implement the SIM intervention, encompassing patient screening, initiation of HU treatment, and maintenance of dosage, which will be implemented via the TAsk-Strengthening Strategy for Hemoglobinopathies (TASSH TCP), derived from our team's TAsk-Strengthening Strategy for Hypertension control (TASSH) trials. Employing a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach within the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, this study will assess SIM adoption by providers in…

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