Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, yet it is recognised less readily than other bleeding disorders by both the public and healthcare professionals. That gap in awareness leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment, and to inequities in the care patients receive across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
To address it, a panel of von Willebrand disease experts developed 29 statements across five themes. The statements were tested through a modified Delphi consensus, with a survey completed by 66 healthcare professionals involved in the condition’s care across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Consensus was pre-specified at 75% agreement.
All 29 statements reached consensus, and 27 of them reached agreement of 90% or above. From these, the panel derived eight recommendations aimed at improving the detection and management of von Willebrand disease and at delivering more equitable care between men and women.
This consensus was developed using the modified Delphi method. Implementing its recommendations across the care pathway has the potential to raise the standard of care by reducing delays to diagnosis and the start of treatment.
Laffan M, et al. Haemophilia, 2023; 29(3). DOI: 10.1111/hae.14765
