DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition affecting 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Women with endometriosis often experience a decreased quality of life compared to women without endometriosis. The average time to diagnosis is greater than six years for adult women and greater than 11 years for adolescents. Yet, there is little research investigating the pre-diagnostic experiences of women with endometriosis. This study aims to inform healthcare providers of patients' pre-diagnostic experiences of endometriosis in an effort to improve patient care. Using one-on-one, semi-structured online interviews and a qualitative design, this study explored six women's pre-diagnostic experiences of endometriosis. The main themes that emerged from the research were, Seeking, Support and Finding. From the theme Seeking, the participant's journeys to care and the day-to-day impact of endometriosis were explored. The theme Support underlined the advocacy and resilience each participant experienced. The theme Finding highlighted what the experience and outcome of having been diagnosed with endometriosis was like experientially for the participants. The participants' experiences revealed a lack of provider knowledge regarding endometriosis, the importance of positive support, and a strong patient-provider relationship. The findings of this study serve to advocate for the enhancement of endometriosis recognition and pre-diagnostic care of patients with endometriosis.

Date

Spring 4-16-2023

First Advisor

Dr. Steven Busby, PhD, FNP-BC

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. Laura Gray, PhD, MSN, MA

Department

Nursing, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

Endometriosis, Endometriosis pre-diagnostic experience, Diagnostic experience of Endometriosis, Endometriosis Diagnosis

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