Page 120 - Diagnostic delay of endometriosis

Abstract
Study question
Which interventions appear to be most feasible for reducing diagnostic delay in endometriosis?
Summary answer
A set of key interventions to reduce the interval between onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of endometriosis was selected by an expert panel of professionals and patients
What is known already
Diagnostic delay in endometriosis is extensive. Several factors related to the delay have been identified, but a comprehensive strategy to convert these determinants into appropriate actions is lacking.
Study design, size, duration
Using a modified RAND Delphi method, this study reports on the systematic selection of a set of interventions directed at reducing diagnostic delay in endometriosis by an expert panel between August 2018 and March 2019.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
The expert panel consisted of patients (n=26) and professionals (n=55, of which 23 general practitioners, 26 gynaecologists and 6 miscellaneous professionals). They rated and prioritized 36 pre-identified interventions in four consensus rounds. Main outcome measure was a set of key interventions to reduce time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis.
Main results and the role of chance
A set of 10 interventions was selected from the initial set of 36 potential interventions. The selected interventions are directed at increasing awareness by educating medical professionals, increasing research efforts directed at non-invasive diagnostic tests, the development of a clinical guideline for general practitioners and gynaecologists and a decision aid directed at diagnostics. Response rates ranged between 79.0 and 96.2%.
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