World thyroid day campaign: experience report

Introduction: May, 25th is The World Thyroid Day, initiated by Thyroid Federation, in 2007, to inform people about factors that cooperate with the development of thyroid diseases. The goal is to share information about the theme to patients and to the society, allowing the identification of diseases related to thyroid and emphasize the importance of monitoring them when they are already present. The campaign is important to aware population about some symptoms that can be seen when there is a problem on the thyroid and even to help the Endocrinology and Diabetology league participants to approach this theme at their first years of graduation. Objectives: The objectives are to propagate information about thyroid problems and aware students about the importance of discussing this theme and guide the patients. Methods: The campaign in approach to The World Thyroid Day occurred at lunch time, at the reception spaces of Hospital Emilio Carlos, where the Endocrinology and Diabetology league participants volunteer to hand didactic explicative flyers about thyroid and the diseases involving it. Approximately 20 students participated and thereabout 60 patients were approached, this ones, while waiting to be consulted, heard from the academics about the topic and how important it is. Results: It was important that the students and the patients gave their time to learn about the theme. It was good to remember people that you need to pay attention to your healthy frequently, even though any symptom is noticed. Futhermore, as soon as possible diseases are discovered, earlier the treatment can be started and, according to the case, the cure or control of signs can be achieved, always maintaining the best quality of life. So the participation was valid to all the people that listened, studied, worried and promoted attitudes about the well-being of themselves or others. Conclusions: Therefore, is important to aware the general population and the med school students about thyroid and how the modification in it function can prejudice health. Thus, sharing information about the theme helps at the graduation process and aware the population about the subject.