London (Parliament News) – Endometriosis should be ministered as a chronic disease by the NHS and taken as especially as illnesses such as diabetes and bowel disorder, experts have stated.
Is Endometriosis Care Comparable to Diabetes and Bowel Disorders?
A study analyzing the quality of care delivered to adult patients who had been diagnosed with endometriosis uncovered that within healthcare, the condition is usually treated as multiple isolated episodes of critical care, instead of being caught as a continuum of symptoms in the same way diseases such as diabetes are recognised.
Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue similar to the womb lining develops elsewhere, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and can impact fertility and other pelvic organs. Symptoms include distressing periods, painful bowel actions, pain when urinating and discomfort during or after sex. It is thought to involve about one in 10 women in the UK of reproductive age.
How Can Endometriosis Treatment Be Improved in the NHS?
The report, issued by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death, an independent healthcare philanthropy, also suggested that training for healthcare professionals should be enhanced to recognise the manifestation of endometriosis such as pelvic pain and heavy periods and that patients undergoing endometriosis should be questioned about how the condition impacts them beyond just the physical symptoms.
Endometriosis maintenance has long been identified as substandard, with a previous report showing that on average women wait nearly nine years for a diagnosis in the UK.
Emma Cox, the chief executive of Endometriosis UK, stated that the report “clearly evidences the problems faced today by those with endometriosis, and the suggestions show how improvements can – and must – be made,” and that “enforcing these will not only relieve suffering for those with endometriosis, it will also preserve the NHS time and resources”.
What Changes Are Needed for Better Endometriosis Care in NHS?
Cox said: “[The report] provides new analysis but highlights longstanding issues; those with endometriosis have faced uncertainties in accessing treatment and care for far too long. The report comes at an excellent time, we have a new government who have dedicated to no longer neglecting women’s health, and to prioritise women’s health as the NHS is improved.
“Endometriosis UK looks ahead to working with ministers and administration to implement the suggestions within the report, improve endometriosis care and create a difference to 1.5 million with the disease.”
Dr Geeta Kumar, who is vice-president for clinical quality at the Royal College of Gynaecologists, stated: “Endometriosis is a chronic disease that can have a significant effect on the physical and mental fitness of those living with it, and slowed diagnosis is currently a noteworthy issue.
“This insightful deep dive into how women and people with endometriosis are watched for by the NHS found room for progress in around half of the patient cases studied. Clear suggestions are provided for NHS organisations, royal colleges and individual units to support through audit and quality advancement initiatives.”
Kumar said: “The overarching statement is to implement holistic, joined-up multidisciplinary maintenance with appropriate referral pathways available for both primary and secondary care including discharge planning and follow-up. Women registered better care experiences when referred to specialist camps and the key role of specialist endometriosis nurses also shines through.”