References
Understanding the NICE guidance on endometriosis
Abstract
Wendy Norton and Debby Holloway provide an overview of endometriosis and identify the role of the practice nurse in supporting women with this diagnosis through their patient journey, referencing best practice from NICE guidelines
Endometriosis is a long-term gynaecological condition where endometrial tissue forms lesions outside the uterus, resulting in internal bleeding, inflammation, fibrosis, and adhesion formation. The condition is estimated to affect between 2 and 10% of women in the general population, but up to 50% of women with infertility, and can have a significant impact on women's, and their partners', lives. Endometriosis is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leading to reported lengthy delays in achieving a correct diagnosis. In 2017 and 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released guidelines and quality standards on managing endometriosis. Nurses working in primary care services play an important role in raising awareness of this condition and providing holistic, individualised care for women with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder that is estimated to affect between 2 and 10% of women in the general population, but up to 50% of women with infertility (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology [ESHRE], 2013). However, the true prevalence is difficult to estimate due to the condition's uncertain and enigmatic nature. Endometriosis is complex and multifactorial with evidence suggesting that care can be delayed due to health care practitioners' lack of awareness and understanding of the condition, leading to a reported average delay in diagnosis of 5–8.9 years (Culley et al, 2013). In 2017 and 2018 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released guidelines on managing suspected endometriosis and accompanying quality standards for prioritising care improvement (NICE, 2017a; 2018). Nurses working in primary care services can support women with suspected endometriosis by having an understanding of this condition and the range of presenting symptoms to facilitate a timely referral to specialist services.
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