Immediate improvement in patient care: Auditing adherence to the British Society for Haematology guidelines on screening and management of the long‐term consequences of multiple myeloma and treatment

Abstract

Advances in myeloma have resulted in improved prognosis for patients. However complications of the disease and treatment, pose a risk of specific long‐term consequences. An audit tool was adapted to assess adherence to the British Society for Haematology guidelines for screening and management of long‐term myeloma consequences. Thereafter a screening checklist was developed to prompt the implementation of guideline recommendations, followed by a re‐audit evaluating the effectiveness of the checklist.Good baseline practice was identified relating to vaccinations, herpes prophylaxis, dental assessment, bisphosphonates, calcium/ vitamin D supplementation and holistic needs assessments. However gaps in practice included monitoring of lipids, HBA1C, NT‐pro‐BNP/ BNP, BMI, calcium/ vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in kidney disease, endocrine screening and geriatric assessments. Re‐audit demonstrated that geriatric assessment remains a gap in practice, however other standards now scored between 80 to 100% compliance, highlighting the benefits of a screening checklist, to increase adherence to recommendations.