Delayed and Misdiagnosed Endometriosis

Graduation Year 2025 Document Type Senior Thesis Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Primary Major Nursing Thesis Advisor Deborah Meshel, BSN MSN Abstract Aim: This research investigates whether targeted education can improve the early diagnosis of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment, prolonging discomfort, and lowering quality of life. Healthcare practitioners' knowledge gap is addressed by this study, which examines whether organized training promotes awareness and diagnostic accuracy. This research proposal evaluates an educational intervention developed to improve gynecological experts' knowledge and diagnostic skills. The main research issue is whether the intervention reduces misdiagnosis and improves patient outcomes. A quasi-experimental design will examine participants' knowledge and diagnosis accuracy before and after training. Methodology: Women aged 18–44 and nurse practitioners from outpatient clinics, hospitals, and community centers will participate. Structured questionnaires will assess knowledge and diagnostic skills, while chart reviews will assess accuracy. To evaluate knowledge and accuracy changes, descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and regression will be used. Diagnostic accuracy and endometriosis knowledge among healthcare providers are predicted to improve. The research expects this intervention to drastically reduce misdiagnosis rates, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The study concludes a specialized training program can overcome endometriosis diagnostic hurdles, emphasizing the importance of provider education in early detection and management Included in Epidemiology Commons, Medical Education Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Reproductive and Urinary Physiology Commons