Shape the Management of Endometriosis

If you have an interest in or are involved in managing women’s health, this post is for you. NICE has published an updated draft guideline on diagnosing and managing endometriosis. It says that GPs should offer a transvaginal ultrasound to all patients with suspected endometriosis. This applies even if pelvic or abdominal examinations are normal. Earlier scans may reduce the need for further tests after referral. This recommendation reflects current best practice and so is unlikely to lead to a large increase in transvaginal ultrasound in primary care.

Although regular clinical pharmacists do not undertake pelvic examinations, pharmacists working as advanced practitioners sometimes do. This follows successful completion of training at Masters level. Such advanced pharmacists therefore fall under the requirement to offer ultrasounds to patients with suspected endometriosis.

If you would therefore like to contribute to the draft guidance that NICE has prepared, please complete this on the NICE website by clicking here. The consultation is open until 5pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024; with publication of the finalised guideline expected on 10 July 2024.

You will need to follow the following process:

1. Register your organisation as a stakeholder or complete as an individual
2. Read the consultation documents.
3. Add your comments on the relevant Comments Form
4. Email the form to the relevant address provided on the above NICE webpage.

If you are interested in further updates from NICE relevant to primary care, please click here.