Management of patients with elevated Self-BAT scores or other bleeding symptoms: Updated overview for primary care practitioners.

OBJECTIVE

To provide recommendations for management of patients presenting with elevated self-administered bleeding assessment tool (Self-BAT) scores or other bleeding symptoms in a primary care setting.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Primary research sources, clinical review articles, and interviews with research staff, hematologists, and family physicians were used to create the poster tools and reference guide resources.

MAIN MESSAGE

Recommendations to manage a patient with an elevated Self-BAT score or other bleeding symptoms include reviewing the results of the Self-BAT to clarify relevant symptoms, performing initial diagnostic laboratory tests, and doing basic symptom management. Clinical judgment should be used when determining whether referral to a hematologist is necessary, but referral should be considered if the bleeding score is abnormal or if initial management options are ineffective. Some bleeding symptoms warrant evaluation by a gastroenterologist, obstetrician-gynecologist, or otolaryngologist.

CONCLUSION

Primary care providers should conduct a thorough review of the Self-BAT results and associated management recommendations when working with a patient presenting with an elevated score or other bleeding manifestations. A review consists of the clarification of relevant symptoms, appropriate initial laboratory workups, and patient education. Treatment options for symptom management should be explored while recognizing the threshold for referral to a hematologist.