Survey of General Practitioner Perspectives on Endometriosis Diagnosis, Referrals, Management and Guidelines in New Zealand

Introduction

There is a growing body of literature concerning endometriosis patients' perspectives on the healthcare system and endometriosis care in New Zealand. However, there is little research available on the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) internationally, and none currently in New Zealand. The purpose of this study is to address New Zealand GPs' understanding of and approach to endometriosis diagnosis, referrals, management and guidelines.

Methods and Materials

An online, anonymous survey was shared with 869 GP clinics and completed by 185 New Zealand-based GPs regarding their awareness and application of the inaugural 2020 ‘Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis in New Zealand’ guidelines, their perception of their endometriosis knowledge, the diagnostic value they assign to symptoms, the treatments they recommend and the reasons they refer patients to specialist gynaecologists. Differences between groups were conducted using Chi-squared tests, and text answers were assessed thematically using inductive, semantic coding.

Results

All 185 GPs had gynaecology consults, and 73% had gynaecology consults every week. Despite 65% being aware of the 2020 guidelines, only 35% overall had read them. Only 52% of GPs considered themselves to know enough about endometriosis for their routine practice. The most common treatment to be considered first line was intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs; 96%), whereas the most common alternative treatment recommended was exercise (69%). The most common reason for referral to specialist care was the failure of all attempted treatments (84%).

Conclusions

Many of the study's results align with current New Zealand and international endometriosis guidelines, particularly the prioritisation of progestin-only therapies, the reduced emphasis on surgical treatment as the first line and the low rates of alternative treatment recommendations. This study also highlights the need to improve awareness of inappropriate GP recommendations, including long-term treatment with prescription-only pain relief such as codeine and pregnancy for symptomatic relief.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two of the authors involved in the design and conduct of the study, data interpretation and manuscript preparation have sought care for endometriosis.

Trial Registration

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