746 A Novel Method of Remotely Managing Complex HHT Patients via Telephone Clinic to Reduce Severity and Frequency of Nosebleeds

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a complex, multisystemic vascular dysplasia affecting approximately 85,000 European Citizens. Patients who have hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia can have severe debilitating manifestation of symptoms which can severely affect their quality of life. One of the severe manifestations is epistaxis, this can often lead to being anaemic, needing blood transfusion and hospital admission. Method Patient data was analysed to record number of hospital visits, A&E attendances, and hospital admissions. Multidisciplinary approach to involve various teams including but not limited to specialist nurses and clinicians. Results Virtual clinics facilitate management of HHT patients with complex needs. Provision of (nurse led) specialist virtual clinic in the form of telephone consults giving advice regarding maintenance and emergency care in case of a nosebleeds. This facilitates safe pathway for emergent care and avoids hospital visit with every episode. The patients are provided with an emergency pack and a prevention pack. The emergency pack contains nasal packs, tranexamic acid mouthwash 5%, nasopore, kaltostat whereas the prevention pack contains triple therapy. Analysis of patient data suggests reduced number of hospital visits, A&E attendances, and hospital admissions to seek specialist treatment. Conclusions Virtual clinics are an upcoming novel method of managing complex patients. They are beneficial for patients allowing them specialist access to medical advice to manage their symptoms at home. Improved patient care pathway allowing easy access of specialist medical advice. Safer management of complex HHT patients reducing frequent hospital visits for reasons like consultations, blood tests, admissions, and blood transfusion.