Sickle Cell Disease Quality Standard: Provincial Implementation Impact Assessment

In alignment with Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Impact Assessment: Provincial Implementation of the Sickle Cell Disease Quality Standard and the associated infographic showing key insights provide a comprehensive, data-driven review of the Sickle Cell Disease quality standard implementation strategies employed to date. This assessment is centred on the 4 key functions of Ontario Health’s Integrated Quality Framework to guide ongoing quality improvement and sustainability efforts. 

This impact assessment follows the internationally recognized Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development evaluation criteria.   

# Impact Assessment Findings

# Many high-level impacts have resulted from implementation to date, including:

•  A 19% reduction in average time to physician initial assessment for people with sickle cell disease experiencing vaso-occlusive acute pain episodes in the emergency department from 2023/24 to 2024/25
• Strengthened collaboration among health care teams with the establishment of the Sickle Cell Disease Community of Practice with 177 members
• Increased knowledge for more than 1,200 health care team members, supported by an implementation toolkit and resources from the community of practice
• Enhanced relationships and coordination with Ontario Health regional staff, empowering health care teams to deliver high‑quality care
• Accelerated adoption of digital tools through Evidence2Practice, improving care delivery in acute care settings across 4 pilot hospital organizations, driving a reduction in median time to first opioid dose
• Strengthened implementation and coordination between health care teams and community partners through provincial clinical leadership

# Lessons learned include: 

• Strategic funding for health service providers and community health centres greatly enhances equitable access to care for people with sickle cell disease across regions
• Intentional partner engagement and structured collaboration have been crucial to the successful implementation of the Sickle Cell Disease quality standard and the ability to scale best practices
• Leveraging digital tools and data-driven decision-making empower health care teams to deliver consistent, evidence-based care
• Strategic funding for provincial clinical leadership strengthens clinical relevance and fosters awareness and engagement among partners across the health care system

However, despite such a profound impact, gaps still exist as care delivery remains fragmented between care settings province-wide. To support better coordination of care pathways across the province, we have outlined next steps for establishing a provincial model of care. This will allow us to continue to support the delivery of high-quality care for people with sickle cell disease and drive improvements in health outcomes, patient experience, and overall system performance.

# For Clinicians

There are many opportunities to improve care for people with sickle cell disease. As you review the impact assessment, please consider which implementation strategies to focus on to guide your organization’s quality improvement efforts. Please also share the Sickle Cell Disease quality standard, placemat, and patient guide widely with your networks and with your patients or clients.

# For People With Sickle Cell Disease and Their Families and Care Partners

The Sickle Cell Disease quality standard describes what high-quality care looks like for people with sickle cell disease. The accompanying patient guide helps you know what to ask for in your care and provides helpful resources.