Page 83 - Diagnostic delay of endometriosis

the menstrual cycle, preventing unnecessary medicalization at the same time. A clinical guideline, covering first-line diagnostic and treatment strategies for women with abdominal or menstrual symptoms, including indications for referral may be useful in daily practice.
Conclusion
The quality of the diagnostic process of endometriosis in GPs is hampered by a limitation in knowledge and awareness, the lack of appropriate guidelines and insufficient collaboration between GPs and gynaecologists. These factors contribute to an extensive diagnostic delay. The present study was designed to explore determinants of practice regarding the diagnostic process of endometriosis in GPs in the Netherlands using a qualitative approach. Our principal aim was to identify possible barriers and facilitators rather than quantifying their relative importance. We recommend future research directed at prioritizing the individual barriers and facilitators, to be able to develop a multifaceted intervention strategy aimed at reducing diagnostic delay in endometriosis.
Acknowledgements
We thank the GPs who participated in the focus groups, and Brigette Johnston for reviewing the grammar of the manuscript.
Funding:
Ethical approval:
Conflict of interest:
none
The study protocol did not require full institutional review board approval (Reference number 2016- 2629)
None
Barriers and facilitators to the timely diagnosis of endometriosis | 81