Overview

This online course, prepared by Gabriela Brenta, explores the diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyroid dysfunction, from the general practitioner’s perspective.

The course focuses on patient−physician interaction in two simulated environments of primary care consultations. Patients’ verbal comments on their symptoms, issues and concerns are explored. The doctor (viewer) makes decisions on next steps in the diagnosis and management of each patient, and receives guidance on the choices that they make or reject.

The first case features the initial diagnostic workup and tailored treatment choices for a female patient who is eventually diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, likely caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

The second case features a patient displaying a range of symptoms that may be associated with hyperthyroidism, and explores the typical signs of disease, together with tailored treatment options. Ultimately the patient appears to have Graves’ disease.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the diagnostic and physical workup necessary for patients presenting with suspected hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

• Know when thyroid hormone tests should be undertaken and repeated, and how to interpret the results, in patients with suspected thyroid dysfunction

• Specify when thyroid ultrasound examination is warranted, in patients with thyroid dysfunction

• Be able to evaluate  when treatment is appropriate for patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

• Understand the link between hyperthyroidism and long-term cardiovascular health, and how Graves’ disease can usually be managed in the primary care setting

• Advise patients on how to manage thyroid dysfunction, taking into consideration their lifestyle choices, concomitant health needs, and therapeutic regimens

Target audience

Primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals treating patients with thyroid dysfunction in the primary care setting.

Instructions for participation

There are no fees for participating in this online activity.

This online course is expected to take approximately 60 minutes for completion.

As you progress through the course material there are several short true/false and multiple-choice questions. The answers to the questions are provided in the following slides or video. These questions are not part of the course assessment but provide focus for you to reflect on the material covered in the previous section.

Once you have completed the activity, you should undertake the final assessment test comprising 10 questions. If you achieve a score of 80% or greater you will be able to download a certificate.

Disclosure

All EXCEMED programmes are organized solely to promote the exchange and dissemination of scientific and medical information. No forms of promotional activities are permitted. There may be presentations discussing investigational uses of various products. These views are the responsibility of the named speakers, and do not represent an endorsement or recommendation on the part of EXCEMED.

This module has been developed thanks to an unrestricted educational grant received from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. We confirm that the company providing the grant has not influenced the content of the module.