Nurse Led Radioactive Iodine Clinic

D Wright

Specialist Nurse in Endocrinology, St Lukes Hospital, Bradford

Endocrine Nurses Training Course 9-11 September 2004
Wills Hall, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1AE

The incidence of thyroid disease is not uncommon, 7% of the population will develop some form of thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism is defined as over activity of the thyroid gland due to excessive amounts of thyroid hormones in the blood stream.

What is radioactive iodine [RAI] and why is it required? It can be taken as a capsule or a small drink. RAI gradually reduces the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone, thus reducing the levels to normal. The thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that require iodine. As the cells stop working, excessive amounts of thyroid hormones are no longer produced, so the patient is rendered euthyroid or may develop hypothyroidism.

RAI is a safe, simple and effective treatment and has been used safely for over 50 years. 90% patients in the US are treated with RAI. People with any form of hyperthyroidism may be treated with RAI unless they are taking amiodarone, have thyroid eye disease, are pregnant, breast-feeding or are contemplating a pregnancy [male or female].

The patients journey goes from GP, diagnosis, referral to consultant, tried medical treatment but then require a definitive form of treatment – RAI. They attend the medical clinic, are given relevant information / advice, questions answered, contact number of ESN and are given a treatment date so work / social plans can be made due to the strict guidelines that people have to carry out if undertaking this treatment. On the given date patients attend my nurse led radioactive iodine clinic. Further explanations are given about treatment, precautions, side effects, medication, thyroid disease, follow up nurse led clinic, contact details, and then they attend for treatment in the medical physics department.

At follow up clinic, I carry out a brief physical examination, document general health and medication, answer questions, discuss blood results and start appropriate treatment after discussion with doctor.

I go on to talk about what happened prior to nurse led clinics, discuss the difficulties that I encounter in clinic, the consultant involvement required and the benefits with nurse led clinics. I believe they are an essential part of the holistic care that patients deserve which will hopefully go from strength to strength.

The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society