Iron deficiency (ID) is the commonest nutritional deficiency in Australia and can adversely affect a patient’s quality of life. The principles of managing ID in primary care include making a confirmed diagnosis, identifying and addressing the underlying cause of ID, and correcting the deficiency with iron replacement therapy. The benefits of iron replacement therapy include improvements in fatigue, general health, mental health and quality of life. Because ID is significantly under-diagnosed in Australia, there is a major opportunity in general practice for individual and population health improvements through increased awareness and testing of ID, in addition to targeted iron supplementation.
This 1.5-hour RACGP accredited activity aims to empower GPs to improve ID diagnosis rates thereby increasing access to effective treatment with a focus on applying a person-centred approach to selecting intravenous (IV) iron replacement therapy and individualising dosing to ensure adequate iron repletion. It features two cases studies and expert video interviews from the faculty.
This educational activity was developed by MDBriefCase at the request, and with funding from Pfizer.