Understanding the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of rare bleeding disorders

Bleeding disorders are rare congenital conditions where a person's blood does not clot correctly. The most common of these disorders is von Willebrand disease and the most well-known is haemophilia. However, less is known about rare bleeding disorders (RBDs), which collectively comprise a significant proportion of all bleeding disorders. Nurses across all fields and specialties may encounter and care for patients with RBDs. This article provides an overview of these disorders including the different types, diagnosis and treatment. It also discusses the psychosocial challenges and treatment obstacles that individuals with these conditions and their families may experience.