Page 162 - Diagnostic delay of endometriosis

Ultimately, a combination of tests may allow for both the diagnosis of endometriosis and indentifying disease behavior in terms of molecular and clinical subtypes, progression potential and susceptibility for specific treatment regimens.
Future perspective
Further efforts should be made to incorporate the relevant determinants and proposed interventions identified in this thesis in a multifaceted strategy aimed at optimizing help seeking behaviour of women with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis, and improving knowledge and clinical strategies in medical professionals. In order to succeed, it is of great importance to join the commitment of all relevant stakeholders in the development of targeted interventions. Scientific programs should not only be aimed at the discovery of new diagnostic or treatment options, but incorporate patients’ personal views toward a high standard of medical and personalized care. Besides fundamental research and randomized clinical trials, other study designs including qualitative or mixed method studies will provide important information on opportunities to raise awareness and improve endometriosis care.
Final conclusion
This thesis presents a comprehensive overview of determinants of the diagnostic delay of endometriosis from a multidimensional perspective. The diagnostic process in endometriosis is hampered by late presentation of a diversity of symptoms to a medical professional, inadequate appraisal of symptoms due to insufficient knowledge and the poor interaction between patients and medical professionals. Although the diagnostic delay is a complex phenomenon, multiple opportunities to reduce the interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis were defined and prioritized by an expert panel consisting of a wide variety of stakeholders. Most importantly, efforts should be made to increase awareness on endometriosis in the general population, and to provide medical staff with sufficient knowledge and skills to adequately acknowledge presented symptoms or clinical findings and initiate appropriate actions in a timely matter.
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