Endocrine Abstracts

Background: A large proportion of patients who attend the Endocrine clinic have thyroid dysfunction, usually thyrotoxicosis. These patients require regular thyroid function tests (TFTs) and advice on medication dose alteration, usually through frequent clinic appointments. At our University Teaching Hospital, we have a nurse-led system whereby TFT monitoring and advice is managed virtually, with patients usually attending clinic annually for review. We call this the Thyroid Shared Care (TSC) scheme.

Aim: To evaluate the number of patients managed under TSC, how many virtual consultations occurred and the advice given regarding thyroid related medication over a 1 year period.

Method: We searched our electronic database for patients having active monitoring under TSC between 01/05/2017 and 30/4/2018. Data were gathered on the number of advice letters sent and the advice given.

Results: 1908 patients had thyroid monitoring in this period under the TSC scheme, with 7322 advice letters sent. 1499 reminder letters were also sent. The advice given (doses were specified in patient letters), after reviewing the most recent TFTs, is as follows:

Discussion: Providing a virtual thyroid service offers a convenient way for patients to have their thyroid dysfunction monitored and medications adjusted. It saves patients from multiple clinic appointments and allows patients care to be provided efficiently.