The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of November 2024. This month there are four guidelines that impact upon primary care.
The Menopause: identification and management guideline has been updated. It covers identifying and managing menopause, including in people with premature ovarian insufficiency. This update reviewed the evidence and made new recommendations on:
- managing genitourinary symptoms associated with the menopause
- the effects of hormone replacement therapy on specific health outcomes (including breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and life expectancy)
- cognitive behavioural therapy to manage menopause-associated symptoms.
The Endometriosis: diagnosis and management guideline has been updated. It covers diagnosing and managing endometriosis, including where fertility is a priority. This update reviewed the evidence and made new or updated recommendations on diagnosis. The recommendations on symptoms and signs and information and support were also updated.
The Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) guideline has been published. It covers diagnosing, monitoring and managing asthma in adults, young people and children. It aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, help people to control their asthma and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. It does not cover managing severe asthma or acute asthma attacks.
The Asthma pathway (BTS, NICE, SIGN) guideline has been published. It links to recommendations and resources from the British Thoracic Society (BTS), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) on diagnosing, monitoring and managing asthma in adults, young people and children.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.