La place de la sage-femme libérale dans la prise en charge des patientes atteintes d’endométriose : Étude qualitative

Introduction / ObjectiveEndometriosis affects approximately 10% of the female population in France. It is a complex disease, characterized by a variety of symptoms, the most prominent ones being hypofertility and pain that is often particularly debilitating and can greatly alter the quality of life of these women. The objective of this study is to examine the support provided by liberal midwives caring for endometriosis patients.MethodsIn this qualitative study, twelve semi-structured interviews were carried out with liberal midwives caring for endometriosis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic method.Results In order to alleviate the pain of endometriosis patients, the liberal midwives in this study suggest numerous non-medicinal therapies such as acupuncture, osteopathy, yoga, hypnosis, tecartherapy, aromatherapy and sexual health support. They provide patients with plenty of advice on diet, physical activity and sexuality. Finally, all of them emphasize the important role of listening, which is an essential element for the care of these women.ConclusionLiberal midwives are at the center of a multi-professional care and hold an important place in accompanying women with this pathology, not only because of their medical care but also because of their role of listening, informing and providing therapeutic education. Despite limited recommendations from the HAS (acupuncture, osteopathy and yoga), many other non-medicinal therapies suggested by liberal midwives are, in their opinion, effective in combating the pain suffered by endometriosis patients and thus in improving their quality of life.