scholarly journals Barriers and Facilitators to Weight and Lifestyle Management in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: General Practitioners’ Perspectives

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Arasu ◽  
Lisa J Moran ◽  
Tracy Robinson ◽  
Jacqueline Boyle ◽  
Siew Lim
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Lifestyle Management

Background: Weight and lifestyle management is advocated as the first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by evidence-based guidelines. Current literature describes both systems- and individual-related challenges that general practitioners (GPs) face when attempting to implement guideline recommendations for lifestyle management into clinical practice for the general population. The GPs’ perspective in relation to weight and lifestyle advice for PCOS has not been captured. Methods: Fifteen GPs were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. NVIVO software was used for qualitative analysis. Results: We report that GPs unanimously acknowledge the importance of weight and lifestyle management in PCOS. Practice was influenced by both systems-related and individual-related facilitators and barriers. Individual-related barriers include perceived lack of patient motivation for weight loss, time pressures, lack of financial reimbursement, and weight management being professionally unrewarding. System-related barriers include costs of accessing allied health professionals and unavailability of allied health professionals in certain locations. Individual-related facilitators include motivated patient subgroups such as those trying to get pregnant and specific communication techniques such as motivational interviewing. System-related facilitators include the GP’s role in chronic disease management. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of barriers and facilitators that could be addressed to optimize weight and lifestyle management in women with PCOS in primary care.

scholarly journals Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Evidence-Based Lifestyle Management in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blackshaw ◽  
Chhour ◽  
Stepto ◽  
Lim
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Lifestyle Management ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Evidence Based Guideline

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that involves metabolic, psychological and reproductive complications. Insulin resistance underlies much of the pathophysiology and symptomatology of the condition and contributes to long term complications including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of obesity which further compounds metabolic, reproductive and psychological risks. Lifestyle interventions including diet, exercise and behavioural management have been shown to improve PCOS presentations across the reproductive, metabolic and psychological spectrum and are recommended as first line treatment for any presentation of PCOS in women with excess weight by the International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2018. However, there is a paucity of research on the implementation lifestyle management in women with PCOS by healthcare providers. Limited existing evidence indicates lifestyle management is not consistently provided and not meeting the needs of the patients. In this review, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of evidence-based lifestyle management in reference to PCOS are discussed in the context of a federally-funded health system. This review highlights the need for targeted research on the knowledge and practice of PCOS healthcare providers to best inform implementation strategies for the translation of the PCOS guidelines on lifestyle management in PCOS.

scholarly journals Understanding and supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study in an ethnically diverse UK sample

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 323-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Hadjiconstantinou ◽  
Hamidreza Mani ◽  
Naina Patel ◽  
Miles Levy ◽  
Melanie Davies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Group Education

Objective Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong condition. Its symptoms have been linked with psychological consequences, but less attention has been given to the daily implications of living with PCOS. We aimed to explore women’s experiences living with PCOS, and the potential acceptability of group education sessions for this target group. Methods Women with PCOS were recruited from an ethnically diverse UK community. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis was underpinned by the constant comparative approach and involved the identification and exploration of key themes. Results Participants reported a range of symptoms linked with PCOS, including problems relating to menstruation and weight difficulties. Hirsutism was reported as the most distressing symptom. Emergent themes included perceptions about symptoms and delays in receiving a diagnosis; psychological distress; practical implications of living with the condition; coping with PCOS and perceived support needs. Some findings were specific to cultural backgrounds. Participants were supportive of the idea of group education for women with PCOS and suggested a need to provide education within the community and health care providers. Discussion Women with PCOS experience high psychological distress and difficulties with coping with their condition. Suggested strategies to reduce the negative psychological impact include education at various levels.

scholarly journals Lifestyle management improves quality of life and depression in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

2010 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1812-1816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Thomson ◽  
Jonathan D. Buckley ◽  
Siew S. Lim ◽  
Manny Noakes ◽  
Peter M. Clifton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Lifestyle Management

scholarly journals Exploring utilisation of the allied health assistant workforce in the Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Huglin ◽  
L. Whelan ◽  
S. McLean ◽  
K. Greer ◽  
D. Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Health Assistant

Abstract Background Allied health assistants (AHAs) support allied health professionals (AHPs) to meet workforce demands in modern healthcare systems. Previous studies have indicated that AHAs may be underutilised in some contexts. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the effective utilisation of AHAs across health, aged care and disability sectors and possible pathway elements that may optimise AHA careers in Victoria. Methods Using an interpretive description approach data collection included a workforce survey and semi structured interviews (individual and group). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and thematic analysis. Participants included allied health assistants, allied health professionals and allied health leaders in the health, aged care or disability sectors; educators, managers or student of allied health assistance training; and consumers of Victorian health, disability or aged care services. Results The literature scan identified numerous potential barriers to and enablers of AHA workforce utilisation. A total of 727 participants completed the survey consisting of AHAs (n = 284), AHPs & allied health leaders (n = 443). Thirteen group and 25 individual interviews were conducted with a total of 119 participants. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified four interrelated factors (system, training, individual and workplace) in pre-employment training and workplace environments. These factors were reported to contribute to effective utilisation of the AHA workforce across health, aged care and disability sectors. Study findings were also used to create a conceptual diagram of potential AHA career pathway elements. Conclusion This study identified pre-employment and workplace factors which may contribute to the optimal utilisation of the AHA workforce across Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors. Further study is needed to investigate the transferability of these findings to national and global contexts, and testing of the conceptual model.

scholarly journals A qualitative study exploring experiences and challenges of combining clinical academic training with family life

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Trusson ◽  
Emma Rowley
Keyword(s):  
Family Life ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
East Midlands

Abstract Background Concerns are being expressed around the lack of diversity at higher levels of clinical academia. This study aimed to explore experiences and challenges associated with combining clinical academic careers with family life. Methods Qualitative data were gathered from participants from 4 NHS Trusts and 2 universities in the East Midlands of England using online surveys and semi-structured interviews. Results The survey was completed by 67 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, and 73 medical clinical academic trainees. Interviews were conducted with 16 participants from each group including equal numbers of men and women. Caring responsibilities differed between the two study populations. Medical clinical academic trainees were younger and either had young children or were yet to start a family. In contrast, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals tended to be older when they embarked on a clinical academic career and often waited until their children were school-age or older. Similar concerns were raised regarding working part-time and childcare, and how their career prospects might be affected in terms of fulfilling promotion criteria and being able to relocate for work purposes. The occupation of their partners also featured in participants’ experiences; those who shared childcare with someone who worked ‘regular’ hours, appeared to be better supported to combine a clinical academic career with family life. Gender stereotyping was identified in some reported experiences highlighting a need for appropriate mentorship and for positive role models who were able to demonstrate that it is possible to survive and thrive as a clinical academic with family responsibilities. Conclusions Although people manage to find ways to successfully combine clinical academic roles with family life, findings highlight a need to identify ways of supporting and encouraging trainees with caring responsibilities to ensure that they remain on the clinical academic pathway.

An Analysis on the Implementation of the Evidence-based PCOS Lifestyle Guideline: Recommendations from Women with PCOS

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 153-160
Author(s):  
Siew Lim ◽  
Breanna Wright ◽  
Melissa Savaglio ◽  
Denise Goodwin ◽  
Stephanie Pirotta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Implementation Plan ◽  
Lifestyle Management ◽  
Evidence Based Guideline ◽  
Recurrent Theme

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disorder affecting women of reproductive age, affecting 8–13% in this group. Women with PCOS are more likely to have excess BMI, which in turn exacerbates the symptoms of PCOS in these women. The latest evidence-based guideline recommends lifestyle management as the first-line treatment for PCOS. However, the implementation of this recommendation through health services faces a significant challenge. As part of the mapping of the implementation plan for lifestyle management in PCOS, citizen panels and semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the voices of consumers. Women with PCOS expressed the need for multidisciplinary, integrated care as a recurrent theme. Other important considerations included health professionals who listen and are open to learning about PCOS, the empowerment of women to self-manage PCOS and the provision of peer support. Women with PCOS also expressed the key recommendation of focusing on practical skills when providing lifestyle advice. Within that, both individual and group lifestyle sessions were valued for privacy and peer support respectively and delivery by a dietitian is preferred. These recommendations by women with PCOS should be considered when developing the implementation plan for the PCOS lifestyle guideline.

scholarly journals “The whole package deal”: experiences of overweight/obese women living with polycystic ovary syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Caroline Smith ◽  
Lisa Moran ◽  
Freya MacMillan ◽  
Michael Costello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive disorder with multiple manifestations. There are relatively few qualitative studies exploring the nature of living with PCOS despite its high prevalence. Qualitative research can enhance clinical practice via the provision of patient insights into the experience of living with their condition. Methods We conducted two focus groups and three semi-structured interviews of Australian overweight/obese women with PCOS aged 18–46 years between March and April 2017 who were recruited through social media advertising. Interviews and focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied to the data, using the method of constant comparison. Results Ten women contributed data from two focus groups and two semi-structured interviews. Five themes emerged from the data: complexity of the condition with its multiple manifestations, difficulties with delayed diagnosis and lack of information provided after diagnosis, negative experiences on social media and online forums and the need for support, frustration over lack of a “cure”; and the impact of symptoms and concern about long-term sequelae. Conclusions Living with PCOS appears to generate a significant degree of anxiety about the future, dissatisfaction with current treatment models, and loss of feminine identity. Gaps in timely diagnosis, information and support provision need to be addressed. This includes supporting weight management as a fundamental concern for women with PCOS.

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