What patient education should I provide regarding the long-term management of hypoparathyroidism?

Patient education for long-term management of hypoparathyroidism should include:

• Understanding the condition: Explain what hypoparathyroidism is, including the role of parathyroid hormone in calcium regulation and the consequences of its deficiency.
• Medication adherence: Emphasise the importance of taking prescribed calcium and active vitamin D supplements consistently to maintain stable serum calcium levels and prevent symptoms of hypocalcaemia.
• Monitoring: Inform patients about the need for regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and renal function to avoid complications such as hypercalcaemia or renal impairment.
• Lifestyle advice: Advise on maintaining adequate dietary calcium intake and safe sunlight exposure to support vitamin D levels, while avoiding excessive calcium or vitamin D that could cause toxicity.
• Recognising symptoms: Educate patients to recognise symptoms of both low calcium (e.g., muscle cramps, tingling, seizures) and high calcium levels, and to seek medical advice promptly if these occur.
• When to seek specialist advice: Encourage patients to report any new symptoms or concerns and to attend scheduled follow-ups for specialist review as needed.

This education supports active patient participation in their care, helps prevent complications, and promotes optimal long-term outcomes.