Endocrine Abstracts

Our nurse-led testosterone replacement clinic in the Waikato Endocrine Service was the only clinic in New Zealand where specialised endocrine nurses established the use of and administered subcutaneous implants using testosterone pellets for hypogonadal men. Information gained through networking with nursing colleagues at the Annual Endocrine Nurses Society of Australasia (ENSA) symposia regarding the introduction of the depot injection Testosterone Undecanoate (Reandron™) has enabled the implants to be superseded by this more modern and patient-friendly therapy. We report on the development of our testosterone replacement programme in which we are currently treating 250 hypogonadal men using intramuscular Reandron™. The results and side-effects of treatment for this large cohort of patients for up to 2 years will be presented. The endocrine nurses have extended the programme to involve the patient’s primary health care team, which whilst maintaining good therapeutic practice has improved convenience and access for patients. This presentation demonstrates that sharing best practice and evidence-based research at conferences such as the ENSA symposia can lead to significant changes in nursing practice and improved patient care.