Aim:
Endometriosis is a chronic, benign, inflammatory condition characterised by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and infertility. Given the multi-system nature of the disease and the potential significant impact on quality of life, there has been a long-standing recognition of the need for multidisciplinary care for people with endometriosis.
Endometriosis centres of excellence are few and far between around the world as there is no agreed-upon definition of such a centre. Therefore, this study aims to integrate the evaluation of the efficacy of interdisciplinary centres and the unmet treatment needs of patients to inform future development of endometriosis centres of excellence.
Methods:
PubMed, Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched for all relevant articles published from 1 January 2010 to 7 July 2022. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords used included: endometriosis AND multidisciplinary OR multidisciplinary team OR patient care OR interdisciplinary AND clinic* OR centre* OR center*.
Results:
Nineteen studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included. Four studies investigated the perceived efficacy of disciplines in current multidisciplinary centres for managing endometriosis, nine studies explored disciplines that are integral to the provision of good care, and six studies uncovered patients’ perspectives on the best multidisciplinary care model for endometriosis management.
Conclusions:
A multidisciplinary centre consisting of gynaecologist, pain specialist, nurses, physiotherapist, psychologist, sex therapist, nutritionist, complementary and alternative medicine, and social worker, may provide improved holistic care to patients with endometriosis. Furthermore, better incorporation of patient-centred care should be weighted in planning and development of multidisciplinary centres so that best-practice in endometriosis care can be implemented to improve patients’ satisfaction and quality of life.