Understanding the Needs of Healthcare Professionals Involved in Sickle Cell Disease Management in Nigeria: A Grounded Theory Study

Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, placing considerable strain on healthcare systems. This study aimed to explore the needs of healthcare professionals involved in SCD management in Nigeria using a grounded theory approach. Adopting an interpretative epistemology and qualitative case study design, focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted with 16 healthcare professionals from four clinical centers. Data were analyzed inductively, yielding 210 narratives organized into five key categories: (1) facilities and equipment, (2) training and retraining, (3) adequate clinical and laboratory space, (4) standardized policies, and (5) electronic patient registries. Findings reveal that inadequate infrastructure, limited training opportunities, insufficient space, lack of standardized protocols, and manual record-keeping constrain effective SCD care. The proposed theoretical framework highlights interconnected need areas essential for improving service delivery, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. Addressing these needs through targeted interventions is critical for enhancing SCD management in high-burden settings like Nigeria.