Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2022) 86 P13 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.86.P13

SFEBES2022 Poster Presentations Adrenal and Cardiovascular (66 abstracts)

Counselling for adrenal insufficiency for patients on long term steroids amongst physicians and patients

Anne Marie Hannon 1 , Frances Rose 1 , Rajinder Singh Andev 2 , Helen Loo 1 , Ann Marland 1 & Aparna Pal 1


1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; 2Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom


Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) should be informed about ‘sick day rules’ and risk of a life-threatening adrenal crisis if corticosteroids are abruptly stopped or if the steroid dose is inadequate.

Aims and Methods: To assess current practice with regard to steroid advice given across medical specialties at Oxford University Hospital Trust. To assess patient knowledge both in a specialist Endocrine department and in a medical specialty where steroids are commonly prescribed (Rheumatology). An online survey was used for the clinician survey and 5-point question survey for the patient survey.

Results: Forty-one doctors across training grades (37% IMT, 24% registrars, 39% consultants) from a range of specialties completed the survey. 56% of respondent medics stated they usually/always counselled regarding sick day rules when starting long term steroids; 20% of respondents said they rarely/never advised patients on steroid sick day rules. Only 34% of the doctors surveyed were providing the NHS steroid alert card. Sixty patients attending the endocrine clinic (34F,26M; 21 patients primary AI, 30 patients secondary AI and 9 patients with tertiary AI secondary to long-term steroid use) were surveyed and only one patient was not familiar with sick day rules. 83% (50/60) patients carried a steroid card and 70% (42/60) wore a medical alert. 25% reported a delay in receiving steroids when unwell in the past. By contrast, 0/20 Rheumatology patients had received a steroid alert card; and 40% (8/20) were unaware of steroid sick day rules; 10%(2/20)patients had experienced an adrenal crisis.

Conclusions: There is a need for patient steroid education training across the medical specialties so that all patients at risk of adrenal insufficiency are identified and educated appropriately about the risk of adrenal crisis. As Endocrinologists we should reach out to Trust colleagues in other specialties to help deliver this education.

Volume 86

Society for Endocrinology BES 2022

Harrogate, United Kingdom
14 Nov 2022 - 16 Nov 2022

Society for Endocrinology 

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