Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Graves’ disease (GD) mainly affects women in all age groups. Although most patients improve with treatment, patients still often experience cognitive and psychological symptoms. The ambiguity surrounding these persistent mental symptoms contributes to frustration for both patients and healthcare professionals. The study aims to provide in-depth insights into how healthcare professionals perceive the care of patients with GD. Through interviews, we aim to understand the support needs of this specific group of patients and the requirements of healthcare professionals (HCP). The study aims to provide profound insights into how HCP perceive the care of patients with GD. It also aims to identify ways in which the healthcare system can improve safety and quality of life from a personnel perspective, ultimately improving patient care.

Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 HCP working with patients with GD (6 nurses and 6 physicians). The interviews were analysed using content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman.

Findings: The preliminary findings highlight challenges in healthcare and care for patients with GD. These include a shortage of resources, which makes it difficult to provide comprehensive care, and organisational constraints that hinder the efficiency of healthcare services. As a result, it can be challenging to address cognitive and psychological symptoms as thoroughly as necessary. In addition, the predominance of physician-led care and the lack of continuity in patient management are significant barriers to achieving optimal treatment outcomes.

Conclusion: Providing healthcare for patients with GD presents significant challenges, including limited resources, a physician-centred model of care, ambiguity surrounding the role of nurses, and time constraints. To improve the quality of care and address patients’ needs, it may be beneficial to include a thyroid nurse in the team. Although medical treatments are available, there is still a need for a more holistic approach to patient care. To effectively address the diverse needs of patients, our previous interviews with patients have shown that an increased allocation of resources, clearer division of roles, and a multidisciplinary approach to care are required.