ArticleThe British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners2021
Navigating possible endometriosis in primary care: a qualitative study of GP perspectives.
Article in The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 27 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
27 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 38 citations in OpenAlex.
- What is known about adolescent dysmenorrhoea in (and for) community health settings?Frontiers in reproductive health · 2024Pooled it
- Understanding the diagnostic process of endometriosis in primary care: An interview study with general practitioners in Denmark using clinical vignettes.The European journal of general practice · 2026Article
- Use of symptom-reporting tools to support endometriosis identification and management in primary care: a realist synthesis.BMJ open · 2026Review
- 'It's not just thrush, it's recurrent thrush': a qualitative study of patient and clinician perspectives on diagnosing recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2026Article
- Accumulative experiences of recurrent vulvovaginal thrush: a qualitative study of primary care navigation from patient and clinician perspectives.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2026Article
- GPs' perspectives on patients presenting with endometriosis symptoms: an interview study.BJGP open · 2026Article
- Barriers and Facilitators Affecting the Care of Patients with Endometriosis: A Scoping Review.Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde · 2026Article
- Shortening the Endometriosis Diagnostic Pathway: A Narrative Review and Research Agenda.International journal of women's health · 2026Review
- Harnessing diet to modulate inflammation and symptom progression in endometriosis.Frontiers in nutrition · 2026Review
- 'I think it is helpful … I mean it's not always helpful' - diagnostic complexity in endometriosis: a qualitative study.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2025Article
- Exploring delay to diagnosis of endometriosis, a healthcare professional perspective.BMC health services research · 2025Article
- 'The Difficulty of Diagnosis Compromises Patient Care for People With Endometriosis': Interview Study With Aotearoa New Zealand General Practitioners.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2025Article
- 'I don't know what normal has been': a grounded theory exploration of the journey to endometriosis diagnosis.BMC women's health · 2025Article
- 'My patients are "gunning for a fight" that I don't want': reflecting on feeling dismissed and conflict- expectant consultations.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2025Article
- Survey of General Practitioner Perspectives on Endometriosis Diagnosis, Referrals, Management and Guidelines in New Zealand.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2024Article
- Towards reducing diagnostic delay in endometriosis in primary care: a qualitative study.BJGP open · 2024Article
- Supporting teenagers with period pain in general practice: clinical review.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2024Review
- Endometriosis: time to think differently (and together).The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2024Article
- Primary care clinicians' perspectives on interacting with patients with gynaecological conditions: a systematic review.BJGP open · 2024Article
- Adolescent dysmenorrhoea in general practice: tensions and uncertainties.Frontiers in reproductive health · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundEndometriosis affects approximately 6-10% of women, with well documented delays between initial presentation with symptoms and diagnosis. In England, women typically seek help first in primary care, making this setting pivotal in women's pathways to diagnosis and treatment. English GP perspectives on managing possible endometriosis have not been previously reported.
aimTo explore what GPs identify as important considerations when caring for women with symptoms that raise the possibility of endometriosis. DESIGN AND
settingQualitative study in English primary care.
methodSemi-structured scenario-based telephone interviews with 42 GPs from April 2019 to January 2020, based around a fictional scenario of a woman presenting to primary care with symptoms suggesting possible endometriosis. Interviews were thematically coded and analysed.
resultsManaging possible endometriosis in primary care brings challenges. While knowledge and awareness were prerequisites for considering endometriosis, other important considerations were raised. Symptoms suggestive of endometriosis are non-specific, making endometriosis one possible consideration of many. GPs move through a diagnostic hierarchy to exclude sinister causes and utilise trials of treatment as both therapeutic interventions and diagnostic tools; processes which take time. An endometriosis label or diagnosis has advantages and risks. GPs reported sharing decisions about investigation and referral while holding women's priorities as pivotal. These conversations were underpinned by their knowledge of uncertainties and unknowns, including the wide spectrum and unpredictability of endometriosis.
conclusionGPs considerations are more complex than simply lacking awareness. The unknowns surrounding endometriosis matter to GPs. Further research and tailored resources for primary care, where women present with undifferentiated symptoms, are needed.
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Registered trials
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