# Knowledge, Confidence, and Comfort Regarding Sickle Cell Disease Among Medical Students: A Pilot Study in Two Universities

## TL;DR

Medical students show low knowledge and comfort in managing sickle cell disease, especially in treating pregnant women, but gain confidence through patient care experiences.

## Contribution

This study introduces a validated instrument to assess medical students' knowledge, confidence, and comfort in sickle cell disease care.

## Key findings

- Medical students showed significant differences in knowledge and confidence across SCD topics.
- Students felt least knowledgeable and comfortable managing pregnant women with SCD.
- Exposure to SCD patient care improved students' knowledge and comfort across all domains.

## Abstract

Background: Quality care of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) is dependent upon education of the providers on their care team. Previous studies demonstrate lack of resident and provider comfort regarding care of patients with SCD, yet none have assessed these in medical students. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of the research instrument for measuring medical students’ knowledge, confidence, and comfort regarding SCD and related complications prior to wider distribution. Methods: A self-assessment survey was distributed to medical students at two universities to evaluate their knowledge, confidence, and comfort in general SCD topics, in all clinical settings, and regarding common complications. Results: Of the 98 responses, knowledge (p < 0.001) and confidence (p = 0.02) were significantly different between topics, including epidemiology and genetics, pathophysiology, and treatment options. For “treatment options”, there were significant differences in knowledge (p = 0.02) and confidence (p = 0.02) between medical students at different levels of training. Students felt least knowledgeable and least comfortable with care of pregnant women and most knowledgeable and most comfortable with acute pain management. Caring for patients with specific SCD-related conditions increased knowledge and comfort across all domains. Conclusions: This instrument was adequate for measuring knowledge, confidence, and comfort in caring for those with SCD across all clinical settings. We identified a lack of knowledge, confidence, and comfort regarding treatment for those with SCD starting early in medical careers, which improves after caring for patients with various complications. Thus, educating and providing SCD patient experiences is crucial for medical student management confidence related to SCD.