TFT's

This video demonstrates filing TFTs, reviewing patient responses, and sending follow-up communications. The system categorises cases for clinical review or appointments based on diagnosis. Customisable for local lab thresholds, it manages automated messages and recalls for abnormal results.

Or if you prefer a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide: Using the TFT Pathology System

This guide outlines how to manage and review patients using the TFT (Thyroid Function Test) part of the pathology system.

Step 1: Understand the System’s Purpose

• The TFT system helps manage thyroid-related blood tests, patient follow-ups, and communications.
• It can trigger pop-ups for staff, guiding them on how to file TFTs or alert clinicians if action is required.
• This guide focuses on using the system from a reporting perspective.

Step 2: Chase Patients for Thyroxine Questionnaires

• If patients have been sent a questionnaire about their thyroxine levels and have not responded, they are flagged for follow-up.
  • You can continue sending texts, call the patient, or even send a letter.
  • In the future, the system may automatically escalate unresponsive patients for a clinician review to adjust their medication.

Step 3: Categorise Patients for Review

• Patients are categorised into two groups:
  1. Patients needing a full appointment: These are patients who likely require a thorough discussion and possible treatment.
  2. Patients needing a notes-based review: These patients may not need a full consultation and could be reviewed through clinical notes.

Step 4: Manage Subclinical and Full Diagnoses

• Subclinical diagnoses:
  • The system will send a bulk text or letter informing the patient of their diagnosis. The message suggests contacting the practice only if they experience symptoms.
• Full diagnoses:
  • Patients with full diagnoses are added to the report for an appointment to discuss potential treatment options.

Step 5: Review and Manage Filed TFT Reports

• The system tracks TFT reports to ensure they are appropriately filed:
  • If a clinician files a TFT with "no action," no further review is needed.
  • If a report is filed as "unknown other," especially by admin staff, it may require a clinical review.
• The system flags certain cases that require clinical attention, such as:
  • Under 18s
  • Patients on T3 medication
  • Those with a history of thyroid cancer or thyroidectomy
  • Patients on anti-thyroid medication (e.g., carbimazole)
  • Patients who are currently pregnant
  • Thyroid resistance cases

Step 6: Use the TFT Pathology Template

• The system provides a TFT page within the pathology template that displays all relevant information.
• Options based on completed questionnaires include:
  • Increase or decrease thyroxine dose: Based on patient responses to questionnaires.
  • These can be sent automatically if enabled (let your system admin know if you want this feature activated).

Step 7: Bulk Send Communications

• The system can auto-send bulk messages for:
  • Thyroxine dose changes (increase or decrease)
  • Messages related to diagnosis confirmations that can’t be sent by text are sent via letter.

Step 8: Bulk Code Diagnoses

• The system can auto-code diagnoses based on lab results from the past 8 weeks. However:
  • Auto-coding will not allow you to categorise these diagnoses as major/minor or problem headers. If this is a priority, notify the system admin to enable bulk coding.

Step 9: Manage One-Off Abnormal TFT Results

• If a patient has one-off abnormal TFT results, the system will trigger a repeat test based on the abnormality level.
• Repeat criteria are set in the system according to your local lab’s boundaries for:
  • Low T4
  • Raised T4
  • Low TSH
  • Raised TSH

Step 10: Configure Local Lab Levels

• The system is customisable based on your local lab’s TSH thresholds.
  • To configure the system, go to the localisation folder and input your lab’s boundaries for TSH.
  • If no local thresholds are set, or if they show zeros, contact us to update them.

Step 11: Automated Recall for Repeat TFTs

• The recall system will pick up patients who need their TFTs repeated based on abnormal results. The time frame for this repeat depends on the severity of the abnormality.

Step 12: Future Features and Customisation

• Automated messages for normal or abnormal results are being considered for development. If these are a priority for your practice, notify the development team to prioritise these features.