Education

Module 2 of a 2-part series: Providing care for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) requires a patient-centred approach with a focus on quality of life and incorporating the multidisciplinary team. This second module on ME/CFS provides detail on making a differential diagnosis, the non-core symptoms of ME/CFS, management in specific populations, and the development of a patient-centred treatment plan.

This module looks at the common causes of under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis in Australia. Participants will learn how to determine when hereditary haemochromatosis should be part of their differential diagnosis. The module also covers iron study test results and how to explain these results to patients.

This module provides an overview of hereditary haemochromatosis and the symptoms of iron overload. Participants will gain an understanding of how to interpret iron study results, and how to determine when genetic testing is warranted. The module also covers how to access the therapeutic venesection service offered by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

In this module, participants will learn about appropriate induction and maintenance venesection schedules for patients with hereditary haemochromatosis, as well as circumstances that warrant referral to a specialist. Participants will also learn how to access the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) High Ferritin app, and how to use it to screen patients for their eligibility to access therapeutic venesection. The module also looks at how to access local alternatives to the ARCBS therapeutic venesection service.

This module provides an overview of the patient perspective for hereditary haemochromatosis, and the common concerns of patients living with this inherited disorder. The module provides information on the components of self-management such as lifestyle choices, diet, and therapeutic venesection.

Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Caucasian people of northern European descent, with signs and symptoms that are highly variable. Living with haemochromatosis is an individual journey that requires consistent, medically supported self-management strategies guided by a positive attitude and awareness of their condition to achieve optimal disease management. This activity aims to educate GPs about the genetic cause of hereditary haemochromatosis and management techniques such as therapeutic venesection.