SP4.3 Improving management of post operative hypocalcaemia in Total Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy surgery

Abstract Aim Post-operative hypocalcaemia is a serious complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery if not recognised and treated immediately. With sub specialisation and day case surgery, on call may be unfamiliar with immediate management. This can lead to non standardised and inefficient management of patients. The aim was to develop a patient information card which outlined the symptoms of hypocalcaemia and initial evidenced based management for the managing health care professional. Method For this quality improvement work a questionnaire was produced and provided to service users following Total Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy surgery at a regional endocrine surgery unit. Data was collected post surgery before and after the intervention was introduced. Results A positive response to the introduction of a card with a QR code leading to management guidelines which is an evidence-based guide for professionals assessing patients with hypocalcaemia. Furthermore, patient confidence identifying symptoms of hypocalcaemia improved. Conclusion The introduction of a post-operative hypocalcaemia business sized card has standardised post operative triage and management of symptoms in a regional endocrine surgery service.