Mitchell, AL, Hickey, J, Vaidya, B et al. (5 more authors) (2017) Raising awareness of Graves' orbitopathy with early warning cards. Clinical Endocrinology, 87 (6). pp. 853-859. ISSN 0300-0664
Abstract
Background
Clinically significant Graves' orbitopathy (GO) develops in about 25% of those with Graves' disease (GD); most cases of GD in the UK are managed by endocrinologists. Despite this, patients report significant delays before a diagnosis of GO is made. Measures to increase awareness of the early signs of GO and establishing a fast‐track referral pathway to specialist care should overcome these delays and potentially improve outcomes.
Aims
We aimed to determine whether issuing a “GO early warning card” to all GD patients raises awareness of GO and facilitates early diagnosis, what percentage of cards result in a telephone contact, the number of “false reports” from card carriers and patient perceptions of the cards.
Methods
We designed cards, detailing common GO symptoms and a telephone number for patients developing symptoms. Cards were distributed to 160 GD patients, without known GO, attending four endocrine clinics in the UK (December 2015‐March 2016). We recorded telephone contacts over twelve months from when the last card was distributed and gathered patient feedback.
Results
The early warning cards were well received by patients in general. Over twelve months, ten telephone contacts from nine patients, all related to ocular symptoms, were received (6% of cards issued). Nine calls resulted in an additional clinic review (for eight patients), and four diagnoses of GO were made.
Conclusions
This pilot study demonstrates that it is feasible to distribute GO early warning cards in clinic, and that they can be used to facilitate an early diagnosis of GO.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Graves' Disease; Graves' hyperthyroidism; Graves' orbitopathy; thyroid eye disease |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number British Thyroid Foundation NOT GIVEN |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 10 Jul 2018 11:07 |
Last Modified: | 10 Jul 2018 11:07 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/cen.13438 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:133084 |