We conclude that a dedicated DH facility has the potential to provide efficient and timely management of uncomplicated VOCs through reduction of length of stay. This delivery care system may be particularly relevant for children who are significantly impacted by inpatient hospitalization.

We conclude that a dedicated Day Hospital facility has the potential to provide patient-centered, effective, and timely management of vaso-occlusive crises in children as well as adults.

The β thalassemia syndromes constitute the most frequent inherited anemia managed with chronic red cell transfusions around the world. 1,2 The prevalence of thalassemia in the United States was underestimated in past surveys that were limited only to the major specialty centers. 3 Recent data show that the aggregate number of patients followed at smaller centers and community practices surpasses those at the major centers. 4 A precise estimate of the total number of individuals with thalassemia in the U.S. is unavailable due to the lack of either a state or national database. Surveys have shown that 10 large thalassemia centers in the country collectively follow about 1100 patients, while additional 1500 patients are estimated to receive care at other hospitals. 4,5 The Thalassemia Western Consortium (TWC) study showed that of the 717 patients, 44% of patients had β thalassemia syndromes (including 15% with HbE β thalassemia) and 55% had various α thalassemia disorders. Transfusion-dependent patients comprised 35% of the population, 9% had received 1 or more life-time transfusions, and 56% had never been transfused. Thus,

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