Towards De-Implementation of low-value thyroid care in older adults

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Low-value care practices persist in older adults despite a trend toward conservative management.
• Ineffective thyroid care contributes to adverse effects, especially in those with comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on low-value thyroid care in older adults.
• To summarize findings on screening for thyroid dysfunction and managing hypothyroidism, nodules, and low-risk thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies.
• Analysis of current practices in thyroid dysfunction screening and management.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of low-value thyroid care, including overtreatment of subclinical hypothyroidism and inappropriate diagnostic procedures.
• Association of these practices with adverse events and increased healthcare costs.

Conclusions:

• Low-value thyroid care is common in older adults, causing overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
• Urgent need for de-implementation strategies to mitigate patient harm and economic burden.