OP09.01: Evaluating patient experiences with endometriosis ultrasound: a prospective cross‐sectional survey study

The primary objective of this study is to establish whether ultrasound (US) diagnosis of endometriosis affects patient decision-making on treatment options. Secondary objectives include determining: 1) patient comfort of endometriosis US; 2) whether surgical diagnosis is still desired after US diagnosis of endometriosis; and 3) the additional value(s) gained. This was a prospective cross-sectional survey study conducted at the Endometriosis Clinic at McMaster University. Over an eight-month period, eligible patients who underwent endometriosis US were invited to participate. Survey questions were designed over several iterations by a consensus group comprising gynecologic sonologists and clinical researchers, one of whom is an individual with lived experience with endometriosis. Participants completed surveys before and after their endometriosis US using REDCap. Measures of central tendency were used for statistical analysis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who used their US to inform their treatment options. Secondary outcomes included 1) the comfort of endometriosis ultrasound; 2) the proportion of patients desiring ongoing surgical diagnosis despite US diagnosis; and 3) the patient values gained. Fourty-seven patients responded. Sixty-four percent of patients used the information from their endometriosis US to decide on treatment options and nearly 90% would recommend endometriosis US to a friend suffering from chronic pelvic pain. Anticipated comfort of US was 2.8 out of 5 compared with an actual comfort score of 3.2 out of 5. Following a diagnosis of endometriosis with US, 19% of patients would consider surgery for diagnosis. Mean scores (out of 5) for patient experiences and values after endometriosis US were emotional (3.2), diagnostic (3.9), therapeutic (3.1), validating (3.7), and empowering (3.5). This study demonstrates the highly informative value patients gain endometriosis US with many deferring surgical diagnosis. Further studies are needed to identify qualitative patient feedback.