Development of an Endometriosis Toolkit to Support Clinicians in Providing Quality Care for Women

Abstract Background: Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, affecting approximately 11% of women in the United States during their reproductive years. Diagnostic challenges stem from its varied clinical presentations, reliance on laparoscopy for definitive diagnosis, and limited awareness among practitioners and patients, potentially leading to diagnostic delays of up to 13 years. Problem: The complexities of diagnosing endometriosis in primary care and specialty settings, combined with limited provider awareness and a lack of comprehensive resources, hinder timely and accurate identification. This leads to suboptimal treatment and care for women affected by the condition. Methods: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project delivered a 1-hour educational session on endometriosis to nurse practitioners (NPs) at the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) conference. A case study was used to introduce the Endometriosis Toolkit for Practitioners. Pre- and post-session surveys were administered to measure improvements in knowledge and toolkit usage. Interventions: The DNP project provided a 1-hour, evidence-based educational session, introducing NPs to an endometriosis toolkit and demonstrating its practical application in clinical practice. Results: Nineteen NPs completed the pre-session survey, and seventeen completed the post-session survey. The findings revealed an 82% overall increase in knowledge and an 88% agreement to implement the toolkit in practice, thereby meeting the project’s goals. Conclusions: This DNP project significantly enhanced NPs’ understanding of endometriosis, underscoring the essential role of targeted education and practical resources in improving patient care outcomes. Keywords: endometriosis, clinical guidelines, practitioner toolkit, healthcare resources, primary care