Gynaecologists’ view on diagnostic delay and care performance in endometriosis in the Netherlands

M Van Der Zanden, Moniek van der Zanden, van der Zanden M, M W J Arens, Arens MWJ, Marianne Arens, D D M Braat, Braat DDM, W L M Nelen, Nelen WLM, A. Nap, A W Nap, Nap AW
Reproductive BioMedicine Online · 2018 · vol. 37(6) , pp. 761–768 · doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.09.006 · PMID:30366841 · W2895647393
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This study surveyed Dutch gynecologists about their perspectives on diagnostic delays and care quality for endometriosis patients.

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Abstract

Research questionTo evaluate implementation of the key recommendations of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines on endometriosis, and to assess factors influencing diagnostic delay of endometriosis from Dutch gynaecologists' point of view.DesignQuestionnaire study among gynaecologists from all hospitals in the Netherlands. The questionnaire consisted of 56 questions relating to implementation of the ESHRE guidelines, organization of endometriosis care and diagnostic delay.ResultsGynaecologists from 67 out of 85 hospitals completed the questionnaire. A total of 99-100% of respondents agree with, and 91-100% adhere to, the diagnosis-related recommendations in the guidelines. Diagnostic delay is estimated at 42 months. Main factors contributing to diagnostic delay according to gynaecologists are lack of knowledge and awareness of endometriosis in both patients and medical professionals, as well as limitations in diagnostics and late referral. Suggested interventions to reduce diagnostic delay are aimed at improving knowledge and awareness in both patients and medical professionals, as well as improving collaborations between medical professionals.ConclusionsOverall familiarity with, and use of, the 2014 ESHRE guidelines among Dutch gynaecologists is high. Dutch gynaecologists agree with the recommendations relating to diagnosis and adhere to them closely. Diagnostic delay, however, is still considerable; therefore, efforts to reduce diagnostic delay of endometriosis should be aimed at improving knowledge and awareness in both patients and medical professionals, as well as improving collaboration.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Attitude of Health Personnel Endometriosis Physicians Education, Medical Endometriosis Female Humans Netherlands Physicians Practice Guidelines as Topic Time Factors

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Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

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