Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Cranial Diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare condition but is potentially life-threatening if there is a delay or omission of desmopressin. Recent patient safety alerts highlighted the need to raise awareness to avoid mortality and morbidity. The baseline knowledge of the health care professional (HCPs) is very important to avoid deleterious outcomes.

Aim: Qualitative survey to determine the baseline knowledge and awareness of proposed name change for CDI in HCPs.

Methods: A set of 10 simple questions on CDI were designed to assess the baseline knowledge of HCPs working in A & E and hospital wards in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 50 surveys were performed. Questions assessed knowledge of definitions, clinical presentation, treatment, and awareness of the proposed new name AVPD. A pilot questionnaire was tested on endocrine nurse specialists to assess the questionnaire for general suitability.

Results: A total of 50 health care professionals (HCP) ;14 junior doctors, 12 middle grade doctors, 22 nurses, 1 advanced clinical practitioner and 1 physician associate responded to the questionnaire. Overall correct answers achieved was 60%\. A total of 62% of HCPs were aware of the origin of cranial Diabetes insipidus. Only 34% were aware of the term AVP deficiency. Only 14 % recognized that Desmopressin was a critical drug, and should be available in an oral preparation on all wards. 42% of HCPs were aware of possible complications\. Interestingly, only 12% of HCPs correctly mentioned all the available preparations of Desmopressin.

Conclusion: Despite an overall score of 60%, the baseline knowledge in some critical areas in terms of consequences of CDI, Desmopressin as a critical drug and the available preparations was below average. It was notable that the proposed new name of AVPD was only recognized by 34 %. These data support the needs for an updated educational package to all HCPs.