Increasing awareness for higher quality care. Measuring knowledge of sickle cell disease in adult patients.

1. Research suggests there is some confusion about the significance of sickle cell trait among patients, healthcare professionals and the general population. 2. Educational programmes should be available to patients who need or want to know about sickle cell disease. 3. More sickle cell centres are needed, especially in areas where there is a high incidence of sickle cell disease. 4. Lack of awareness and knowledge of sickle cell disease, especially among GPs, limits the provision of a good quality service.