Endometriosis Care in the NHS: Recommendations for Quality Improvement

Strategic Insights -

The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) has published a review of care for adult endometriosis patients, highlighting areas for improvement and providing recommendations for NHS organizations and teams. The review, which spanned from February 2018 to July 2020, found that around half of patient cases studied showed room for improvement. The report emphasizes the need for holistic, joined-up multidisciplinary care, accessible referral pathways, and appropriate discharge planning and follow-up.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCEPOD review of care for adult endometriosis patients from February 2018 to July 2020 found that around half of patient cases studied showed room for improvement.
  • Clear recommendations are provided for NHS organizations, Royal Colleges, and individual teams to support quality improvement initiatives, including audit and education activities.
  • The report highlights the importance of holistic, joined-up multidisciplinary care, accessible referral pathways, and appropriate discharge planning and follow-up.
  • Women reported better care experiences when referred to specialist centers, and the key role of specialist endometriosis nurses also shines through.
  • Surgical theatre capacity is identified as a factor in the delayed initiation of appropriate management and diagnosis, with the RCOG calling for gynaecological theatre capacity to be prioritized.
  • The RCOG is committed to awareness-raising and education activities to support endometriosis care improvement, including a webinar on endometriosis management on July 31.

Statistics:

  • Around half of patient cases studied showed room for improvement.
  • The review spanned from February 2018 to July 2020.
  • The report highlights the need for 100% of patients to receive holistic, joined-up multidisciplinary care.
  • Women reported better care experiences when referred to specialist centers.
  • Surgical theatre capacity is a factor in the delayed initiation of appropriate management and diagnosis.

Sources:

  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). (2020, July 11). Endometriosis: A Long and Painful Road.