3 minute read
How to manage HRT provision without face to face consultations during COVID-19
THE SUMMER ISSUE
The use of telephone and virtual consultation was endorsed by the BMS, FSRH and RCOG in March 2020, and the webinar explored how to manage remote consultations at this difficult time. This webinar supports the PCWHF’s remote HRT management resource for primary care practitioners, available at www.pcwhf.co.uk/resources. The guide includes menopause management checklist tools designed for remote consultations in primary care.
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Dr Sarah Gray opened the webinar, handing over to Dr Jane Davis who asked the first interactive poll question: “Are you currently managing menopause issues remotely?” Around three-quarters of attendees currently are, great news for women who may be suffering more during lockdown.
Jane revealed that there are currently over 600 new guidance documents for GPs regarding Covid-19, however this webinar and associated resources are different: “This isn’t a new guidance document, it’s a tool to make life easier for you,” she explained. “What I’d love to see you do is get fired up and enthusiastic and cascade this back through your primary care team.”
Utilising practical guidance and case studies, this webinar allows clinicians to: • Utilise remote consultation for provision of HRT with confidence • Choose suitable HRT equivalents and alternatives • Apply HRT troubleshooting strategies for common problems • Develop remote consulting for menopause management within your primary care team.
Jane signposted attendees to the PCWHF’s latest guidance, How to manage HRT provision without face to face consultations during Covid-19 healthcare restrictions, which is a 9-part document including: • A tool for initiating HRT • HRT troubleshooting • A tool for reviewing HRT • Patient-facing tool. • HRT prescribing guide
Jane said that video consultations she’s done so far have been a success for perimenopausal and menopausal women: “I love how empowered they feel by talking from their own homes…they’re sitting on their sofas feeling really calm and it’s like having a cup of coffee with them.”
Jane introduced a case study, Nora Normal, 51yo, who “wishes to discuss HRT” by video. Jane signposted attendees to visual guidance from the University of Oxford on conducting video consultations, then talked about the importance of individualised care; guided attendees on how to use the PCWHF’s tools, and where to signpost patients for advice and support including the PCWHF’s patient-facing website, www.rockmymenopause.com.
Download these resources at www.pcwhf.co.uk/HLHH
In this webinar Dr Sarah Gray, Dr Hannah Short and Dr Jane Davis discuss how to manage patients, in response to the COVID-19 healthcare restrictions.
Jane then covered HRT risks; HRT shortages and availability, and vaginal health. She then asked a poll question of what they would choose to treat Nora. Advice on using the PCWHF’s other HRT tools, including risk review and the HRT prescribing tool, followed. Jane closed with a reminder of the importance of self-care for clinicians.
Dr Hannah Short, GP Specialist in menopause and premenstrual disorders, was next to speak, on ‘Remote consultations – HRT review’. This included advice on review timings, using the PCWHF’s tool for reviewing HRT by remote consultation, and risk review. Hannah then returned to our earlier case study, Nora, who has now returned for an HRT review, and introduced further case studies, asking what attendees would do for each case by poll. A Q & A session followed. ► Listen to the webinar in full at www.pcwhf.co.uk/resources. This webinar is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from; Besins, MSD, Pfizer, Theramex, Gedeon Richter and Mylan. This webinar is intended for UK healthcare professionals only. THIS ISN’T A NEW GUIDANCE DOCUMENT, IT’S A TOOL TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR YOU
WORDS BY AMY SCHOFIELD
