Hypothyroidism: annual thyroid function test
Indicator
The percentage of patients with hypothyroidism, on the register, with thyroid function tests recorded in the preceding 12 months.
Indicator type
General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
This indicator measures the percentage of people with hypothyroidism who have an annual thyroid function test. The aim of testing is to check adherence to treatment and to ensure the dosage of levothyroxine is still correct.
NICE-accredited guidance advises that people with overt hypothyroidism have annual thyroid-stimulating hormone measurements.
Source guidance
Hypothyroidism. NICE clinical knowledge summary (2011), scenario: overt hypothyroidism.
Specification
Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator that have thyroid function tests recorded in the preceding 12 months
Denominator: The number of patients with hypothyroidism on the register.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: None.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess performance at individual general practice level.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6010-1