Counsel the family of a newly diagnosed adolescent with von Willebrand disease — OSCE

Candidate instructions

You are the paediatric registrar. You have eight minutes to speak with fourteen-year-old Mia and her mother, Mrs Chen. Mia has just been diagnosed with type 1 von Willebrand disease after presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency, along with lifelong easy bruising and prolonged nose-bleeds. Explain what von Willebrand disease is in plain language, what causes her bruising and heavy periods, how it is treated including desmopressin and tranexamic acid, what the plan is for her periods, the warning signs that mean coming straight to hospital, and how the condition may affect her sport and her future. Answer their questions, check their understanding, and agree a plan. ^[1]