Page 99 - Diagnostic delay of endometriosis

Table 3. Factors contributing to the diagnostic delay of endometriosis according to subjects
Factor
Trivializing of symptoms
Lack of knowledge
Failure to recognize
Treatment without diagnosis
Misdiagnosis
Limitation in history taking
Limitation in physical examination
Limitation in diagnostics
Vague presentation of symptoms
Avoiding healthcare
Healthcare shopping
Late referral
Restraint in the use of diagnostics
No related factor
Patient n (%)
36 (54%)
28 (42%)
9 (13%)
4 (6%)
-
-
-
-
14 (21%)
13 (19%)
2 (3%)
-
-
-
GP n (%)
21 (31%)
36 (54%)
23 (34%)
10 (15%)
19 (28%)
2 (3%)
3 (4%)
5 (7%)
-
-
-
6 (9%)
-
-
Gynaecologist n (%)
6 (9%)
16 (24%)
21 (31%)
7 (10%)
4 (6%)
6 (9%)
11 (16%)
16 (24%)
-
-
-
-
21 (31%)
4 (6%)
According to the participants, patient delay
women were more assertive and visited their doctor more timely. To improve delays in relation to medical professionals, GPs and gynaecologists should avoid trivialisation and perform more accurate history taking and physical examination. Time taken for referral to a gynaecologist should be reduced. Gynaecologists were advised to collaborate more often and improve communication with GPs.
Participants suggested that the patient interest group should provide information to women in order to increase awareness of endometriosis. Providing information and education to GPs by the patient interest group was also suggested. The respondents state that besides providing information to patients and aiming to increase knowledge among gynaecologists, the NVOG may also advocate centralising endometriosis care (16%) and
Gynaecologists’ view on diagnostic delay and care performance | 97
may be reduced if symptomatic