Objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have complex needs which are unmet by currenlty fragmented healthcare services. This study evaluates an integrated PCOS service from the women’s perspective.
Design and methods: A qualitative study, complimented by quantitative data, was conducted on 15 women who attended the Monash Health statewide integrated PCOS service. Semi-structured interviews and surveys were conducted between 11th March 2019 and 1st Oct 2019. Data was analysed using thematic approach and mapped into predetermined framework of appropriateness, effecticeness, efficiency, impact and future suggestions.
Results: Twelve women were satisfied and 14 women would recommend the service to another person. Integrated care, tailored treatments, education on PCOS, lifestyle support and laser dermal therapy were all valued elements of the service. Positive impacts were reported on improving PCOS symptom severity, risk perception, self-efficacy and general emotional well-being. Infrastructure, delayed access and inconsistent service delivery during the initial phase of service and the contradictions between evidence-based treatment and patient preference were reported negatively by women. Sensitive communication considering psychological impacts of PCOS was highlighted as being important by women.
Conclusion: A co-designed, integrated PCOS service which aligns with evidence-based practice and patients’ priorities, appears from the user perspectives to be appropriate, beneficial and effective to meet women’s needs. The efficiency domain could be further improved and sensitive communication where providers remain cognizant of the psychological aspects of PCOS is important for effective care. Further research, including longitudinal quantitative data, is needed to verify these results conclusively.