Sickle Cell Podcast Series- Talking About Pain Management

In this episode Alix Dassler and John Masembe discuss race and pain management as it relates to sickle cell disease.  Discussion centered on the lack of training for providers around pain management juxtaposed against the opioid epidemic.  Implicit bias was also touched on as it relates to race and pain management with themes of white providers believing black people have thicker skin and fewer pain receptors.  Stress as a trigger for pain was also discussed and how it can contribute to pain. 

Question explored:  why do patients with sickle cell have to prove that they are in pain? What kinds of strategies do providers teach for patients with SCD to manage pain? Should patients have to be "trained" how to express their pain in a way that does not cause too much attention?  How can we as both providers and patients learn to address race and pain management for patients with SCD?

For more information about sickle cell and to connect with our show guests, please go to the Metropolitan Sickle Cell Task Force @  www.mssctf.org 

For more information about Nikki, please email: [email protected]