Identifying ID clinical audit: Screening and managing your patients with iron deficiency

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency in Australia.¹ Management is based on initiation of iron therapy to correct ID, and concurrent diagnosis and management of the underlying cause.² This clinical audit aims to improve the management of patients with iron deficiency following oral or IV iron supplementation.

Learning outcomes

• Identify patients who have been given oral or IV iron supplementation whose management may be improved.
• Conduct investigations to identify the causes of iron deficiency, utilising referrals appropriately and effectively.
• Implement evidence-based strategies to improve iron levels in patients who remain iron deficient despite oral iron supplementation.
• Conduct iron studies at appropriate times following IV iron supplementation to ensure adequate control of iron deficiency.

Inclusion criteria

You should recruit a total of 10 adult patients with ID who may require follow-up, who fit either of the below criteria:

• 8 patients previously or currently treated with oral iron, whose ID remains uncontrolled.
  These patients must be recalled for a consultation as part of this audit.
• 2 patients previously treated with IV iron, who have not had an iron study since correction of their iron levels.
  The audit process can be done before these patients are recalled.

How long should it take?

The program has been designed to take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete. This includes patient recall from your practice, patient consult and program evaluation.

References

1. Royal College of Pathologists of Australia. The Use of Iron Studies, Ferritin and Other Tests of Iron Status. Available at: https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Library/College-Policies/Position-Statements/The-Use-of-Iron-Studies,-Ferritin-and-Other-Tests. Accessed August 2020.
2. Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Iron deficiency (2015). Clinical Update. Available at: http://cart.gesa.org.au/membes/files/Clinical%20Guidelines%20and%20Updates/Iron_Deficiency_2015.pdf. Accessed August 2020.

This activity is sponsored by Aspen Australia and Vifor Pharma.