EPOS 4 Patients

In our webinar on 18 May 2021, Professor Claire Hopkins explained how best practice for the treatment of CRS is reviewed and shared among clinicians and, for the first time, how patients are able to see this information for themselves.

EPOS2020 is the fourth and most recent version of the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, which was first published in 2005. EPOS is the result of an international cohort of experts who gather to review the evidence and propose best treatment options. This document is available to doctors to help them provide the best for their patients.

What is new is that the group agreed to create a set of guidelines for patients with CRS. As part of the move towards shared decision making, educating patients about their own condition involves them in setting the best treatment pathway for them which ultimately means better outcomes. 

Finding information about your condition

Running to 61 pages, EPOS 4 Patients is not a quick read, but it’s very clearly written and easy to find the information that is relevant to your own condition. 

Sections are broken down into manageable questions that outline each different condition, and looks at the causes, how a condition is diagnosed, what treatment is available and also provides short examples of patient’s stories.

Professor Hopkins is delighted that patients have a source of information they can trust. “It’s very important to know about your own health condition, but difficult to know what to trust online.” EPOS 4 Patients uses exactly the same evidence as that used by doctors and should make patients feel more comfortable about discussing all the treatment options with their doctor.

This is a valuable resource for people diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), with or without polyps, and Samter’s Triad. It provides guidance on the use of steroids, antibiotics, biologics and surgery as well as nasal rinsing and living with the loss of smell.

You can view or download EPOS 4 Patients at RhinologyJournal.com.

You need to copy and paste this link in your browser: 

https://www.rhinologyjournal.com/Documents/Supplements/Supplement_30.pdf

May 20, 2021