Bridging the Information Gap in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review with Systematic Approach
Open accessAbstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy with wide-ranging implications for affected individuals. Literature has shown that patients with PCOS are dissatisfied with the health information provided to them and that healthcare professionals lack adequate knowledge. In this narrative review with systematic approach, we explored the unmet information needs in PCOS care for both patients and healthcare professionals. A comprehensive search of databases yielded 41 relevant studies, predominantly of observational and qualitative design. Adults and adolescents with PCOS desire wide ranging health information and express a keen desire for weight management guidance. Importantly, discussions surrounding weight should be addressed knowledgeably and without weight bias. Therefore, healthcare professionals should facilitate access to comprehensive evidence-based resources. Lack of information drives PCOS-related online searches. Referral to support groups that promote individual agency in the self-management aspects of PCOS can furthermore guide patient resource acquisition. Patients prefer guidance from professionals that understand the psychosocial complexity of PCOS and can empathize with experiences of stigmatization or even marginalization depending on the cultural context of the individual. The findings informed the 2023 International Evidence-Based PCOS Guideline, recommending patient-centered communication, evidence-based information resources, and culturally sensitive approaches to optimize PCOS care.
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Reported gaps in knowledge among health professionals are contributing to diagnostic delays and variations in care, perpetuating patient dissatisfaction and unmet information needs.
“Reported gaps in knowledge among health professionals [11,12,13,14] are contributing to diagnostic delays and variations in the care provided, perpetuating patient dissatisfaction and unmet information needs [15,16,17,18].”
From Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Internet of Things: A Scoping Review (2024) · cites this paper as [18]
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“28 A recent study out of India looking at PCOS treatment seeking pathways in newly diagnosed patients observed that recurrent lack of clear treatment explanations led to 51% of patients consulting two to three healthcare agencies for treatment recommendations.”
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Gomula, J., Warner, M., & Blandford, A. (2024) · BMC Women's Health · doi:10.1186/s12905-024-02993-5 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Internet of Things: A Scoping Review
Graca, S., Alloh, F., Lagojda, L., Dallaway, A., Kyrou, I., Randeva, H. S., & Kite, C. (2024) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare12161671 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“Reported gaps in knowledge among health professionals [11–14] are contributing to diagnostic delays and variations in the care provided, perpetuating patient dissatisfaction and unmet information needs [15–18].”
Background
- Authors
- Tay, C. T., Williams, F., Mousa, A., Teede, H., & Burgert, T. S.
- Affiliations
- Monash University (AU)
- Children's Mercy Hospital (US)
- Corresponding author
- Burgert, Tania S.
- Venue
- Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
- Publisher
- Georg Thieme Verlag KG
- Published
- 2023-03
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 01/02
- Pages
- 012-019
- ISSN
- 1526-4564 (ISSN-L)
- 1526-8004
- OpenAlex
- W4389357672
- Cited by
- 8
- References
- 12
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 2
- FWCI
- 0.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Seminars in Reproductive Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Medical Research Council
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Ovarian function and disorders
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare
- Keywords
- polycystic ovary syndrome, patient information needs, health professionals' knowledge, patient-centered communication, weight bias, online health information seeking, support groups, self-management, cultural sensitivity, stigmatization, patient satisfaction
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Communication, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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