Education Resource from the Society for Endocrinology
Summer School 5-8 July 2005
St Aidan’s College, Durham University, Durham, UK
Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a safe, simple and effective treatment for thyrotoxicosis.
Though RAI has been in use for some time, there have been significant local
and regional differences in how the therapy has been given; reflecting differences
in clinical practice, infrastructure and resource. There are a number of drivers
now in operation that are directing a more congruent approach to RAI therapy;
drivers that reflect progress in medical practice, regulations surrounding
the therapeutic use of radioisotopes, the governance of service delivery and
changes in societal expectations. These factors challenge us to deliver a consistent
approach to the administration of RAI, an approach that involves the process
of informed consent to treatment. This presentation will cover the approach
to consent in the clinical context, and go on to explore how the requirement
for informed consent in turn dictates the development of a range of information
that is available to patients to support this process.
The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society
Revised:
28-Jul-2005