Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the challenges with managing polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-synthesis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo provide an overview of healthcare professionals' experience of PCOS management and identify the relevant facilitators and barriers. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL database from the earliest available date to April 2023. Qualitative and mixed methods studies that described healthcare professionals' experiences of PCOS management were included. ResultsA total of 74 findings were extracted from the 8 included studies, which were categorized into facilitators and barriers. The barriers were meta-aggregated into four themes: the weakness of clinical evidence; women’s low adherence to PCOS management; various obstacles that healthcare professionals face, and the influence of social environment and culture. The facilitators were meta-aggregated into three themes: chronic disease healthcare plan, communication techniques and healthcare professionals' ability and awareness. ConclusionThe findings of this study have the potential to improve the care provided to women with PCOS. However, it is important for national health professionals and policy markers to consider the cultural context of their own country when implementing these findings. Practical implicationsThis study illustrated several challenges in managing the heterogeneous condition of PCOS and provide insights for the development of medical policies and future research directions.