INTRODUCTION

One of the many challenges in diagnosing bleeding disorders is distinguishing between normal and abnormal bleeding symptoms. Letstalkperiod.ca is an educational website that includes an online self-administered bleeding assessment tool (Self-BAT) which is a validated screening tool that enables patients to independently determine their bleeding scores (BS).

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes for those referred with an abnormal Self-BAT BS compared to those referred without the prior use of the Self-BAT.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational study. After obtaining REB approval, chart review was performed for patients evaluated for a suspected bleeding disorder in a tertiary care centre between 2016 and 2023.

RESULTS

351 patients (310 female) were identified for inclusion with a mean age of 41 years. Of these patients, 30 were referred for a positive/abnormal Self-BAT BS and the remainder were referred for other reasons. Patients referred for a positive Self-BAT BS required interventions for their bleeding symptoms more often (73.3% vs. 36.7%, p ≤ .001). Though they were not diagnosed with an inherited bleeding disorder more often (6.7% vs. 10.7%, p = .754), patients referred for a positive self-BAT were more likely to be diagnosed with a bleeding disorder when the definition was expanded to include bleeding disorder of unknown cause (56.7% vs. 31.9%, p = .008).

CONCLUSION

Results of this study suggest that the Self-BAT at letstalkperiod.ca can be a useful tool for patients and physicians to identify those needing referral to tertiary haematology clinics for evaluation and management of bleeding symptoms.