National Endometriosis Plan Fails to Yield Significant Improvements in Treatment Uptake

A comprehensive study by the University of Queensland has revealed that the National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE), launched in 2018, has not led to a substantial increase in the use of two common treatments for endometriosis, despite a spike in the use of one medication immediately after the plan's introduction. The research, conducted by Chiemeka Chinaka, a researcher at UQ's School of Economics, along with Professors Brenda Gannon and Jenny Doust, analyzed data from January 2012 to December 2023 and found that the introduction of NAPE resulted in a modest and short-lived increase in the use of the pain relief medication nafarelin, while the use of laparoscopic resection surgery remained unchanged.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE), introduced in 2018, aimed to increase public awareness, provide funding for research, and improve treatment options for endometriosis sufferers.
• Despite its goals, the plan has not resulted in a significant increase in the uptake of laparoscopic resection surgery or the use of the pain relief medication nafarelin outside of an initial, short-lived spike immediately after the plan's introduction.
• The research found that people with endometriosis often experience delays of 6-8 years between the onset of symptoms and a diagnosis, and that 7% of patients wait more than a year for surgery in the public system.
• The study suggests that public hospital waiting times need to improve before a large increase in women receiving laparoscopic resections can occur.
• The research emphasizes the need for targeted strategies, specialized clinics, and well-funded specialists to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket costs for endometriosis patients.
• According to government data, the average woman encounters delays of 6-8 years between symptom onset and diagnosis, which highlights the urgency of addressing these issues.

Statistics:

• 7% of patients wait more than a year for surgery in the public system.
• The average woman experiences delays of 6-8 years between the onset of symptoms and a diagnosis of endometriosis.
• NAPE clinics began operating in March 2023.
• The federal government announced funding for more clinics in February 2025.
• The research analyzed data from January 2012 to December 2023.

Sources:

• News source: University of Queensland news release.
• Research publication: Australian Health Review, AH25047.
• Funding source: National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence on Women and Non-Communicable Diseases.
• Government data: Recent government data.