Evaluating the impact of the self-BAT screening tool on patient outcomes: Results of the let's talk period project

Abstract

Introduction: One of the many challenges in diagnosing bleeding disorders is distinguishing between normal and abnormal bleeding symptoms. Letstalkperiod.ca is an educational website that includes an online self-administered bleeding assessment tool (Self-BAT) which is a validated screening tool that enables patients to independently determine their bleeding scores (BS). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes for those referred with an abnormal Self-BAT BS compared to those referred without the prior use of the Self-BAT. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. After obtaining REB approval, chart review was performed for patients evaluated for a suspected bleeding disorder in a tertiary care centre between 2016 and 2023. Results: 351 patients (310 female) were identified for inclusion with a mean age of 41 years. Of these patients, 30 were referred for a positive/abnormal Self-BAT BS and the remainder were referred for other reasons. Patients referred for a positive Self-BAT BS required interventions for their bleeding symptoms more often (73.3% vs. 36.7%, p ≤.001). Though they were not diagnosed with an inherited bleeding disorder more often (6.7% vs. 10.7%, p =.754), patients referred for a positive self-BAT were more likely to be diagnosed with a bleeding disorder when the definition was expanded to include bleeding disorder of unknown cause (56.7% vs. 31.9%, p =.008). Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that the Self-BAT at letstalkperiod.ca can be a useful tool for patients and physicians to identify those needing referral to tertiary haematology clinics for evaluation and management of bleeding symptoms.