Laying the Groundwork: A Pilot Study Exploring Improved Endometriosis Management Strategies in Primary Healthcare.

Abstract

To evaluate if a brief educational intervention for primary health care staff regarding endometriosis gives sustainable knowledge of endometriosis symptoms and if a brief questionnaire for women seeking care for common symptoms is feasible in the Swedish primary care context. Pilot study. 3 primary care centres (PCCs) in Sweden. Exploring knowledge among staff about endometriosis at baseline and 3 months after an information workshop. Evaluation of feasibility of a brief questionnaire for women seeking care for common symptoms For PCC personnel: knowledge about endometriosis at baseline and after 3 months. For patient questionnaire: whether adequate, understandable, acceptable, and feasible. Females in primary care centre waiting room, and staff members at participating PCCs. The knowledge level of endometriosis was improved or sustained after 3 months compared to baseline among staff at PCCs. Over 90% of the patients stated that the questionnaire was adequate, understandable, acceptable, and feasible. We found that an educational programme improved the staff's knowledge about endometriosis. The programme together with the patient questionnaire could be a way to enhance knowledge about endometriosis among PCCs. This combined effort might facilitate earlier detection and treatment of women with endometriosis.