Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program

Nursing Science

Research Advisor

Sara Day

Committee

Carolyn Graff; Keesha Powell-Roach; Lori Vick; Stephanie Ibemere

Keywords

Education, Mixed Methods, Nursing, Program Evaluation, SCD, Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common disorder of the hemoglobin and affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide. In response to a drastic lack of available education a group of SCD experts developed the Sickle Cell Boot Camp to Promote Nursing Excellence Train the Trainer. This initiative provided the first opportunity for nurses worldwide to gain knowledge and skills curated by the leading experts in a safe and interactive environment. By adapting the program to a train the trainer modality, education materials are provided to the attendees, and they are encouraged to take the information to their home institutions and share it to educate others. AIMS: To determine the effect of the education provided in the SCD Nursing Bootcamp on nurses’ knowledge about SCD. To measure nurses’ attitudes and perceptions about individuals living with SCD. To explore nurses’ perceptions about the impact of the SCD Nursing Bootcamp. To determine the extent to which qualitative findings confirm, support, or enhance the quantitative findings. METHODS: Utilizing a mixed methods approach and the theoretical framework of Kirkpatrick’s Levels of Evaluation and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the knowledge of the attendees was quantitatively measured through pre and post testing as well as changes in the attitudes toward patients living with SCD. Qualitative interviews were then performed to expand upon the experience of the nurses attending the boot camp, educational offerings provided, and barriers that participants experienced upon their return. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants completed the train-the-trainer boot camp, representing US children’s and adult hospitals, international foundations, sixteen different states and three countries. A pre/post-knowledge assessment demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p < .001) when comparing scores. A significant decrease in negative attitudes (p < .001), red-flag behaviors (p=0.02) and concern-raising behaviors (p=0.03) before and after attendance were demonstrated as well on the General Perceptions about Sickle Cell Disease Patients Survey. Qualitative interviews were overwhelmingly positive, and the qualitative analysis resulted with key themes to answer the research questions. The barriers were identified as scope, reluctance to change and biases. The participants who disseminated the information cited passion to participate and supportive leadership as key facilitators. Lastly, the lived experience themes from the participants were that it was informative, enlightening, and they were able to develop a sense of connection to the other participants like it was a family. The education provided by the attendees to date has reached over 500 additional providers and continues to grow. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH: With a significant improvement of both knowledge and attitudes, the train-the trainer boot camp provided resources and information about SCD and empowered nurses to educate others in their scope thus improving the care of all patients living with SCD that they encounter. Further evaluation of formative education for all medical disciplines, diverse educational materials, and the development of a structured mentor program were all identified as future research to improve the lives of people living with SCD.

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1664-8856

DOI

10.21007/etd.cghs.2025.0690

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