Understanding diagnostic delay for endometriosis: A scoping review using the social-ecological framework
Jodie Fryer1, Amanda J Mason-Jones2, Amie Woodward3
1North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate, UK.
Health Care for Women International
|October 17, 2024
Summary
Diagnostic delay for endometriosis averages 6.8 years, but varies significantly by country. This review synthesizes international evidence to identify where and why these delays occur in the healthcare system, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Health services research
- Medical sociology
Background:
- Diagnostic delay for endometriosis is a significant global issue, impacting patient well-being and healthcare systems.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the specific points of failure and underlying reasons for these delays within healthcare.
- This study addresses the critical need to synthesize existing international evidence on endometriosis diagnostic delays.
Approach:
- A systematic scoping review methodology was employed, adhering to a pre-specified protocol.
- The social-ecological theoretical framework guided the analysis of diagnostic delay factors.
- Literature searches were conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO databases up to September 2023, identifying 23 relevant studies from 403 initial results.
Key Points:
- The average diagnostic delay for endometriosis across reviewed studies was 6.8 years, with a wide range (1.5-11.4 years).
- Significant international variations in diagnostic delay were observed, underscoring the need for country-specific analyses.
- The majority of included studies originated from high-income countries, indicating a potential gap in research from other regions.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the multifaceted issue of diagnostic delay in endometriosis is a crucial priority for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate delays, particularly in underrepresented geographical areas.
- Improving timely diagnosis of endometriosis is essential for reducing patient suffering and optimizing healthcare resource allocation.
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