680 Increasing Surgical Junior Doctors Confidence and Knowledge in Treating Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia

Aim One of the risks of thyroidectomy surgery is hypocalcaemia. Symptoms of hypocalcaemia can be very distressing for patients. This can be challenging for surgical juniors to manage. The aim of the project was to review the current hypocalcaemia guideline at Sherwood Forest NHS Trust and provide teaching for surgical junior doctors. Method A questionnaire was disseminated to surgical juniors, to assess baseline knowledge and confidence in recognising and managing hypocalcaemia in post-thyroidectomy patients. After completing the questionnaire, a hypocalcaemia information sheet addressing the pathology, symptoms and updated treatment guidelines was shared. The Trust hypocalcaemia guideline was updated to reflect BAETS hypocalcaemia guideline and redesigned to make it more user friendly. Surgical juniors were then asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire to assess how the information sheet and updated guideline impacted their knowledge and confidence in managing hypocalcaemia in post-thyroidectomy patients. Results Results found a specific increase in understanding of hypocalcaemia and an increase in confidence of postoperative hypocalcaemia management. The percentage of juniors scoring a 4/5 and 5/5 in managing hypocalcaemia symptoms increased from 17.6% and 5.9% to 47.8% and 21.7% respectively. 100% of respondents felt the information sheet and updated guideline increased confidence to diagnose and treat hypocalcaemia. Prequestionnaire n= 34, post questionnaire n= 23. Conclusions To conclude, there was an overall increase in confidence in managing hypocalcaemia, following a more user-friendly guideline which was up to date and specific for post-surgery. The information sheet which outlined key information increased 100% of surgical junior’s confidence in this area.