Implementation of endometriosis toolkit: A quality improvement project to enhance nurse practitioners’ knowledge and management

Abstract Background: Endometriosis, characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial-like tissue, affects approximately 11% of reproductive-aged women in the United States. Diagnosing endometriosis is challenging due to its diverse clinical presentations, reliance on laparoscopic procedures, absence of biomarkers, and limited awareness among healthcare providers and patients. Local Problem: The diagnostic complexity of endometriosis, compounded by reduced provider awareness and a lack of comprehensive resources, leads to delayed and suboptimal care for affected women. Methods: This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to enhance nurse practitioners’ (NPs) knowledge and management of endometriosis through a 1-hour educational session at the California Association for Nurse Practitioners conference. The session employed a case study to introduce the Endometriosis Toolkit for Practitioners (ETP). Investigator-developed eight-item pre-test and nine-item post-test surveys were administered to evaluate knowledge and toolkit use. Interventions: The project involved delivering an evidence-based, 1-hour podium presentation that introduced the ETP, complemented by a case study illustrating its clinical application. Results: Nineteen NPs completed the pre-test, and seventeen completed the post-test surveys. The intervention resulted in a 60% increase in endometriosis knowledge and an 88% agreement to implement the toolkit in practice, thereby achieving the project’s objectives. Conclusion: This project significantly enhanced NPs’ understanding of endometriosis. The findings highlight the crucial role of targeted education and practical resources in improving clinicians’ ability to provide timely and effective care for women with endometriosis.