A care pathway dedicated to fully addresses the diagnosis, treatment and post-intervention follow-up of patients with endometriosis. Its purpose is to optimize the quality life, manage pain, address emotional issues and monitor long-term outcomes.
Pitch Initiative:
This care pathway dedicated to endometriosis is unique in its offer of a comprehensive and personalized approach to a complex condition. Its scope ranges from diagnosis to treatment and post-intervention follow-up, aiming to optimize the patient’s quality of life, control pain, address emotional issues and monitor long-term outcomes. By prioritizing the patient and integrating disciplines, this approach aims to offer comprehensive support, promoting effective, patient-centered outcomes. Upon receiving the diagnosis, the patient who agrees to participate is welcomed by the nurse navigator. Detailing the process, she leads the application of health questionnaires and the EQ5D-3L. At this point, the patient gains access to a direct communication channel with the nurse to clarify doubts or make requests, such as scheduling appointments and exams. Over the course of 5 years, the patient is monitored through scheduled questionnaires, specialized consultations and specific exams for her journey. Any significant deviation in the answers given by the patient, the multidisciplinary team is called to direct the relevant care, ensuring personalized and efficient management of endometriosis. Since its implementation in August 2022, the Endometriosis Care Pathway has welcomed 176 patients by December 2023, standing out as a comprehensive initiative. With the collaboration of not only expert gynecologists but also a colorectal surgeon, this approach stands out as a significant contribution. The nurse navigator plays a central role, connecting patients to the medical team, elevating the care experience to a level of excellence. With a multidisciplinary approach that includes nutritionists, psychologists and physiatrists, the Care Pathway responds in a personalized and efficient way to individual needs. Of the 176 cases, 89% were advised to undergo a surgical approach, while 11% followed a clinical treatment path, demonstrating a diversified and adaptable offer. The predominant pain-focused complaints, from menstrual cramps to dyspareunia, were managed with remarkable effectiveness. In the pain assessment, initially recorded at an average of 9 on a scale of 0 to 10, there was a notable reduction to 1 after the first year. Quality of life, assessed from 0 to 100, starting from worst health to peak well-being, had a pre-treatment average of 70. After one year, it reached an average of 90, revealing a substantial improvement in the patients’ well-being. This collective effort, permeated by the dedication and expertise of the team, aims not only for clinical excellence, but also aims to inspire as a notable example of integrated care. On average, patients lived with signs and symptoms of endometriosis for 5 years, seeking treatment for 2 years. It is notable that as the time with signs and symptoms increases, complications related to endometriosis become more significant, demanding a more complex approach. In this context, one of the Care Line’s primary objectives is to reduce this time interval, not only to mitigate complications, but also to optimize the costs associated with treating this health condition.