Three‐dimensional model for improvement of endometriosis care (3D‐E)

Abstract

ObjectiveEndometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and leads to significant morbidity and financial burden. Consequently, countries such as France and Germany are formulating strategies to combat endometriosis. In this study, we propose the implementation of our three‐dimensional model (3D‐E) to raise awareness about endometriosis and enhance timely diagnosis, treatment, and long‐term care for affected patients.MethodsBased on the adapted Six Sigma Principle and the modified recommendation of Sales et al. for implementing evidence‐based findings into a clinical routine, we first conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify risk factors leading to diagnostic delay of endometriosis. After identifying improvable factors, the applicable options were selected due to defined criteria such as integrability in the clinical routine, cost‐effectiveness, and evidence‐based‐principle. Finally, solutions feasible for health care providers were integrated and the 3D‐E model was established.ResultsSome of the main risk factors contributing to diagnostic delays are symptoms acceptance and misinterpreted symptoms, especially if presenting to nongynecologists in cases of extragenital endometriosis with atypical presentation. Therefore, we tried to sensitize colleagues (first dimension) with a review paper in Germany's largest medical journal and started an elective for medical students (second dimension) at our university. In order to involve additional health care professionals in endometriosis care (third dimension), we are preparing the concept of the EndoNurse.ConclusionThe 3D‐E model is a relatively low‐cost, comprehensive, and worldwide adaptable approach for facilitating knowledge transfer, sensitizing health care providers, and improving endometriosis diagnostics and therapy for patients with endometriosis who are in the center of the model.

Editorial: Selected papers from the XXIV FIGO World Congress

“…In this issue, we are delighted to publish 12 papers that were invited following selection as outstanding abstracts from that Congress by FIGO's Scientific Programme Committee. All submitted full papers were independently peer reviewed by IJGO's Editorial Board, and the final selection covers a fascinating range of topics and geographical regions, including four papers from Europe, 1–4 two from Latin America, 5,6 three from Asia‐Oceania, 7–9 two from Africa–East Mediterranean, 10,11 and one from North America 12 . All papers in this special section will be free to read for a limited period following publication of the issue, and we hope that this will encourage a similarly wide breadth of readership.…”