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Analyzed data points: 4,145
Specialties: GPs/Family Medicine; Neurology; Dermatology; Internal Medicine; Oncology
Countries analyzed: 59
Reach: 136,125
Main Concerns of G-Med Physicians on the Topic of Shingles
Treatment Efficacy: Physicians frequently discuss the effectiveness of various treatments, such as different antivirals, and the use of second line therapies.
Patient Management: There is significant focus on the management of shingles in patients with multiple co-morbidities, risk factors and contraindications.
Vaccine-Related Concerns: While not the main focus, some physicians express concerns about the relationship between other vaccinations and the activation or prevention of shingles.
Herpetic Complications: Discussions often highlight concerns about complications arising from herpes zoster, including postherpetic neuralgia and other long-term effects on patients.
Main Points Concerning Shingles Diagnosis, Shingles Treatment, and Shingles Follow-up
Diagnosis:
Physicians emphasize the importance of early and accurate diagnosis of shingles to treat and manage symptoms effectively and prevent complications.
Diagnostic discussions often include identifying non-characteristic rash patterns and differentiating shingles from other dermatological conditions.
Treatment:
The primary treatments discussed are antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.
Pain management strategies are a significant point of discussion, including the use of analgesics for neuropathic pain, nerve blocks, and, in some cases, corticosteroids.
There are significant queries on chronic pain management and how to further treat patients who have failed fourth- or fifth-line analgesic therapies.
Alternative treatments, like quinine tablets, are also mentioned, though their efficacy is debated among physicians.
Follow-up:
Follow-up care discussions focus on monitoring for complications, particularly chronic postherpetic neuralgia.
Physicians recommend regular follow-up visits to manage chronic pain and other long-term effects of shingles that significantly impact their patient’s quality of life
There is an emphasis on patient education about potential triggers and measures to prevent recurrence.
Prevention:
Strategies for improving shingles vaccination uptake are frequently discussed. Physicians share that preventing long-term complications is often a good incentive for patients to get vaccinated.
Physicians also discuss the optimal age for starting shingles vaccination in immunocompetent patients, often sharing the norms in their respective countries.
There are debates and uncertainties about whether the shingles vaccine could provide additional benefits for other medical conditions.
Geographical Differences in Physicians’ Shingles Concerns by Region or Country
United Kingdom: UK physicians discuss public health vaccination strategies extensively, with concerns about potential side effects and contraindications.
United States: Physicians in the US emphasize the importance of the shingles vaccine, advanced pain management techniques, and strategies to manage postherpetic neuralgia for long-term patient care.
Australia: Australian physicians frequently focus on shingles in geriatrics and discuss public health initiatives aimed at increasing vaccination rates and awareness about shingles.
Canada: Canadian physicians show a strong interest in research and innovative treatments for shingles, with a focus on clinical trials and new drug developments, and emphasize thorough patient follow-up to monitor for complications.
These insights can help tailor communication and support strategies for physicians in different regions, addressing their specific concerns and focal points more effectively.
Engagement Recommendations:
As can be seen from the report, there are some knowledge gaps on the topic of shingles and its treatments which could be closed by an awareness campaign.
G-Med's Awareness Package could be a good fit here.
