SPOTLIGHT
GPS URGED TO TACKLE TINNITUS “ KNOWLEDGE GAP ”
The British Tinnitus Association ( BTA ) has released a new set of guidelines for GPs to help improve the treatment and support of tinnitus patients across the UK .
Launched at the start of Tinnitus Awareness Week ( TAW ), which ran from 6-12 February , the ‘ Tinnitus Guidance for GPs ’ comes after research conducted by the BTA indicated that 53 per cent of people were unhappy with the advice given by their GP at their first appointment .
When the 53 per cent were asked what they felt was lacking , 92 per cent said their GP was ‘ dismissive or unsympathetic , or ‘ didn ’ t have enough knowledge ’.
The survey , which questioned 928 people with tinnitus about their experiences , also revealed that of those referred to ENT or audiology , 88 per cent had to wait up to four months for an appointment . In addition , 85 per cent were not offered any further support from their GP while they waited , and just under half ( 48 per cent ) said their tinnitus had a ‘ moderate ’ or ‘ severe ’ impact on their quality of life during this time .
42 per cent of people questioned also said they had to return to their GP about their tinnitus after their initial visit . David Stockdale , chief executive of the British Tinnitus
Association , said :
“ It is clear from our recent patient survey that people with tinnitus feel they aren ’ t getting the best possible help when first diagnosed with the condition . There is a knowledge gap within the medical community about the impact tinnitus can have , and many patients don ’ t feel listened to or supported enough . This is having an unnecessary impact on their quality of life and on the NHS as they make repeat visits to their GP .
“ We ’ ve also been talking to GPs who ’ ve told us they want more support to help provide tinnitus patients with the best possible care . Our new guidance has been designed with exactly this in mind , giving practical advice , information and signposting to resources that are currently available .
“ In turn , we hope this will help to improve the lives of people with tinnitus as they get increased access to the most up to date advice , treatment and support available . There is a wealth of information already out there , such as the BTA ’ s new online platform www . takeontinnitus . co . uk , which has been created for people who ’ ve been recently diagnosed .”
Tinnitus can often be a debilitating condition that is described as a sensation or awareness of sound that is not caused by a real external sound source . An estimated six million people live with tinnitus in the UK and it can affect people of any age .
The condition , which accounts for approximately 750,000 tinnitus related GP consultations in England each year , can greatly impact on a sufferer ’ s quality of life .
Approximately half of patients report finding tinnitus moderately or severely distressing , with complaints of intrusiveness , emotional stress , insomnia , auditory perceptual problems and concentration problems .
David added , “ When someone first experiences tinnitus it can be very frightening and can have an enormous impact on their quality of life .
“ Tinnitus is a very misunderstood condition , and as the only dedicated national tinnitus charity in the UK , it is vital we do all that we can to raise awareness of the condition and the support available through initiatives such as Tinnitus Awareness Week .
“ We are a small charity but are doing everything we can . Through fundraising and research we are trying to reach the ultimate goal of finding a cure .”
Prof Chris Dowrick , a GP in Liverpool with an interest in tinnitus , said :
“ Every GP wants to feel that they are supporting and helping their patients in the best way possible , but with a condition such as tinnitus , where the latest treatment options and resources available aren ’ t as widely known , this isn ’ t always easy .
“ The introduction of a simple and straightforward set of guidelines about tinnitus for GPs to access is undoubtedly going to be of enormous benefit .
“ I am confident the guidelines will really help GPs to quickly become more knowledgeable about the condition and ensure they are aware of the most up-to-date treatment options available . This will not only help them but most importantly , will help their patients .”
A copy of the guidance can be found at www . tinnitus . org . uk / guidance-for-gps , and printed copies are also available upon request from The British Tinnitus Association .
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HSE INTERNATIONAL