From Sidelines to Systems: An Interprofessional Model for Supporting Athletes with Sickle Cell Disease
Jasmine Cohen-Young, La'Shardae ScottAbstract
Background
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased risk of exertional complications, chronic pain, and psychosocial stressors impacting athletic participation. However, sport-related literature and policy largely focus on sickle cell trait (SCT), particularly regarding exertional collapse and sudden death (Harmon et al., 2012; Yeargin et al., 2024), with limited attention to the complex needs of individuals with SCD. As a result, management approaches remain fragmented, with limited coordination across hematology, athletic training, and mental health services. Prior literature identifies communication gaps, inconsistent safety protocol implementation, and minimal integration of psychosocial considerations in participation decision-making (National Collegiate Athletic Association Sport Science Institute, 2016; Yeargin et al., 2024). These challenges are especially salient in youth and collegiate sport settings. This study examined interdisciplinary gaps in managing athletes with SCD and developed an evidence-informed framework to support coordinated care.
Methods
An integrative review methodology synthesized evidence across hematology, sports medicine, and mental health domains. Peer-reviewed studies and clinical guidelines (2006–2026) were identified through database searches (Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus) using keywords related to SCD, athletics, exertional risk, mental health, and care coordination. Inclusion criteria included studies addressing athletic participation, physiological risk management, psychosocial outcomes, or interdisciplinary care involving individuals with SCD. Studies not specific to sport or physical activity contexts were excluded. Thematic analysis identified patterns in communication, role delineation, and mental health integration, informing development of an interprofessional framework for secondary school and collegiate settings.
Results
A total of 13 sources met inclusion criteria, including empirical studies, clinical recommendations, and position statements. Three primary themes emerged. First, while physiological risk factors associated with sickle cell conditions in sport are well documented, the majority of literature focuses on SCT, with limited research addressing the unique clinical and psychosocial needs of athletes with SCD (Eichner, 2013; Quattrone et al., 2015; Yeargin et al., 2024). Across the literature, there was minimal integration of mental health assessment, with few studies addressing emotional well-being in athletic contexts despite recommendations for athlete mental health support (NCAA Sport Science Institute, 2016; Yeargin et al., 2024). Second, communication gaps between healthcare providers, athletic trainers, and coaching staff were identified, contributing to variability in participation decisions and safety planning. Existing consensus statements emphasize coordinated care, shared review of screening results, and ongoing education across athletic personnel to mitigate risk (NATA, 2007; Yeargin et al., 2024). Third, several sources noted unclear role expectations for non-medical personnel, particularly coaches, who are often responsible for monitoring athletes but receive limited condition-specific training beyond emergency protocols (CDC and Prevention, 2024; Yeargin et al., 2024). Based on these findings, an interprofessional model was developed emphasizing (1) structured communication protocols across care teams, (2) incorporation of mental health considerations into participation planning, and (3) clearly defined roles for coaches, athletic trainers, and healthcare providers. While outcome data were not assessed, the model is grounded in evidence highlighting the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary approaches.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the need to move beyond SCT-centric protocols toward comprehensive, multidisciplinary models that address the clinical and psychosocial complexity of SCD. Current approaches lack sufficient interdisciplinary integration and fail to incorporate mental health as a core component of athlete care. The proposed framework provides a clinically informed structure to enhance communication, clarify roles, and support holistic, athlete-centered care. Future research should evaluate the feasibility, implementation, and outcomes of interprofessional care models in improving safety, consistency of care, and psychosocial functioning among athletes with SCD.