IMPROVING SERVICE PROVISION FOR PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED IDIOPATHIC INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION IN A JOINT NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC

ABSTRACT

Introduction Care of patients with suspected Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) involves neurolo-gists and ophthalmologists, however this can be difficult to co-ordinate. Consensus guidelines suggest all patients with suspected IIH should have weight, visual fields, neuroimaging and a CSF opening pressure. The aim of our study was to determine adherence to consensus guidelines. Methods We assessed medical notes of consecutive patients attending the new joint neuro-ophthalmol-ogy clinic in the Great Western Hospital, Swindon between 1st September'31st December 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic a neurologist was not always present. Results Of 38 patients attending the clinic with suspected IIH, 35(92%) were female. 29(76%) had weight recorded;14 (37%) patients had BMI recorded, 12(32%) had BP recorded;36(95%)had visual fields recorded, 12(32%) and 17(45%) respectively had whether neuroimaging or lumbar puncture were required. 23(61%) had weight management discussed, 22 (58%) had a medication review discussed. Conclusion Documentation of weight, BMI, BP, investigation results and management discussions could be improved in the joint neuro-ophthalmology clinic. We aim to address this by introducing an 'IIH clinic checklist' for use by clinicians and patients to help improve adherence to consensus guidelines.