AUTHOR=Ellis Katherine , Munro Deborah , Wood Rachael TITLE=Dismissal informs the priorities of endometriosis patients in New Zealand JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine VOLUME=10 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1185769 DOI=10.3389/fmed.2023.1185769 ISSN=2296-858X ABSTRACT=Introduction

Endometriosis is a common condition with average delays to diagnosis in New Zealand of almost 9 years.

Methods

In total, 50 endometriosis patients participated in anonymous, asynchronous, online group discussions about their priorities, and their experiences with the development of symptoms, seeking a diagnosis, and receiving appropriate treatment.

Results

Higher subsidy of care was the top change endometriosis patients wanted, followed by more research funding. When asked to choose whether research should be focused on improving diagnosis or improving treatment methods, the results were evenly split. Within this cohort, patients highlighted that they did not know the difference between normal menstrual discomfort and pathological endometriotic pain. If, upon seeking help, medical practitioners classified their symptoms as “normal,” these dismissals could instill doubt in patients, which made it more difficult for them to continue to seek a diagnosis and effective treatments. Patients who did not express dismissal had a significantly shorter delay from symptom onset to diagnosis of 4.6 ± 3.4 years vs. 9.0 ± 5.2 years.

Conclusion

Doubt is a frequent experience for endometriosis patients in New Zealand, which was reinforced by some medical practitioners who were dismissive of their pain and thus prolonged the patient's delay to diagnosis.