How Good are We at Recognizing and Treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Heather May,Joan Mcdowell

doi:10.15344/2394-4978/2016/196

Abstract

The aim of this discursive article is to highlight the challenges for clinicians when diagnosing and treating women with pelvic inflammatory disease, especially when the woman has an intrauterine device in-situ. The article will highlight key areas of the decision making process involved in this specific example and will include discussions on evidence based practice, clinician experience, knowledge base and patient preference. Current clinical guidelines are conflicting on whether an intra-uterine contraceptive device should be removed or not when pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected. Research on clinicians found that they appear to have a relatively low level of knowledge with regards to both pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosis, and general intra-uterine contraceptive device use. The importance of patient preference is another factor to consider, with particular focus on potential issues with clinician delivered patient education. Recommendations for future practice, policy and research also will be discussed.

Highlights

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complex condition which can present a number of challenges for clinicians, around the diagnostic process
The overall aim of this article was to highlight the challenges and potential knowledge deficits associated with PID recognition and treatment, especially when intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) are in-situ
Any clinician consulting with a woman who may have suspected or probable PID must have a sound knowledge base on this disease process and how to recognise and treat it in a prompt and efficient manner

Summary

Introduction

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complex condition which can present a number of challenges for clinicians, around the diagnostic process. Defined as an infection of the upper genital tract in females, untreated PID can pose a real threat to future fertility [1] and so early recognition and treatment is paramount. Treatment can be further complicated if a woman is using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Current clinical guidance is not clear on whether or not removing IUCDs would be beneficial during PID treatment [2,3]. As many clinicians rely on this guidance, this discursive article will discuss how this combination of challenges requires clinicians to focus on other as pects of the decision making process, and how this will subsequently influence the outcome of clinical decisions

Objectives

Conclusion