Understanding the NICE guidance on endometriosis. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norton, Wendy; Holloway, Debby
• Is Part Of: Practice nursing. Volume 31:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Endometriosis -- Primary health care -- Uterine diseases -- Women's health; Nursing -- Practice -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610.730941
• DOI: 10.12968/pnur.2020.31.1.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-9271

Abstract

Abstract : Wendy Norton and Debby Holloway provide an overview of endometriosis and identify the role of the practice nurse in supporting women with this diagnosis through their patient journey, referencing best practice from NICE guidelines Endometriosis is a long-term gynaecological condition where endometrial tissue forms lesions outside the uterus, resulting in internal bleeding, inflammation, fibrosis, and adhesion formation. The condition is estimated to affect between 2 and 10% of women in the general population, but up to 50% of women with infertility, and can have a significant impact on women's, and their partners', lives. Endometriosis is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leading to reported lengthy delays in achieving a correct diagnosis. In 2017 and 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released guidelines and quality standards on managing endometriosis. Nurses working in primary care services play an important role in raising awareness of this condition and providing holistic, individualised care for women with endometriosis.