NICE guideline event on thyroid disease

We welcomed over 90 delegates to our Patient Information Day in London on Saturday 8 February 2020. Guests came to listen to our panel of expert speakers, comprising clinicians, scientists and patient representatives, most of whom had been involved in the development of the NICE guideline on assessment and management of thyroid disease. There was also the opportunity to ask questions to the panel and share experiences with others living with thyroid conditions.

The NICE guideline was published in November 2019 and seeks to improve the quality of life for people affected by thyroid conditions by making recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, long-term care and support. It provides information about thyroid conditions, including causes, diagnosis and possible treatments. In addition it seeks to provide information to patients and carers about treatments and care options they can expect to receive, as well as the benefits or risks of these treatments. The guideline covers suspected thyroid disease and the management of primary thyroid disease. It does not cover thyroid cancer, thyroid eye disease or thyroid conditions in pregnancy.
It was also clear that there remain unanswered questions, particularly around the clinical and cost effectiveness of levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) combination therapy, long term effectiveness and safety of radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism and use of antithyroid medications.
We welcome the research recommendations of the NICE committee but the presentations made clear the research needed is likely to take huge financial resources and a lot of time. However, as many of the people who took part in this successful day agreed, if medical professionals and scientists work closely with patients then progress will be made. 
The day's programme and speaker details can be found here

Speakers' films and presentations

Highlights film 

Sarah Fishburn , NICE Chair
- NICE Guidelines

https://vimeo.com/390709425

The NICE process - presentation

Dr Renee Hoenderkamp, GP

– Management of Hypothyroidism in Primary Care

https://vimeo.com/390796470

Hypothyroidism in Primary Care - this presentation is too large to upload to this page but if you would like a copy of the slides please get in touch and make the request by email.

Dr David Halsall, Consultant Clinical Scientist & Director of Specialist Endocrine Testing Laboratory at Cambridge University Hospitals Trust

- Thyroid Function Tests (Blood Tests)

Thyroid Function Tests - this presentation is too large to upload to this page but if you would like a copy of the slides please get in touch and make the request by email. 

Dr Kristien Boelaert, Consultant Endocrinologist, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust

 - Managing Thyroid Disease

https://vimeo.com/390744777

Managing Thyroid Disease - presentation

- T3 and NDT

Dr Anh Tran, GP

- the GP's role in the care of patients with hyperthyroidism including extracts from NICE guidelines (presentation only, no film)

Dr Glenn Flux, Nuclear Medicine Specialist, Royal Marsden Hospital

- Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Prof Mark Gurnell, Consultant Endocrinologist, Addenbrooke's

- Research and Thyroid Disease

You can also watch all the days' films on the BTF YouTube Channel
Some of the FAQs that were raised at the will be made available shortly.
The full NICE guideline can be found here https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145

What people said about the day:

"I was diagnosed in 2013 but today was the first time I really learnt about my condition through the speakers and information provided."
"Best organised event I’ve been to. Superb speakers! Many thanks."
"I enjoyed the panel sessions and being able to speak to other people with thyroid issues."
"A really enjoyable and informative day. Thank you everyone."
"Very useful and interesting day. I learnt more about my hyperthyroidism today than over the last 18 years. Thanks so much to all the BTF team!"