ENDO-TEAM: a multidisciplinary team approach to endometriosis

<< Background >>Endometriosis is estimated to be 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth, and diagnostic delay is approximately 11 years. No significant association is found between a delayed diagnosis and any of the clinically relevant factors such as the number or severity of the reported symptoms, familiarity, hormonal therapy intake or methodology of diagnosis. The diagnostic delay is probably due to an inadequate knowledge of the disease among health professionals, together with the peculiar aspects of this condition in adolescent patients. Educating clinicians and health professionals on the pathologic nature of endometriosis related pelvic pain is advisable to reduce waiting time to diagnosis, and improve a truly integrated treatment approach as per ESHRE guidelines. “ENDO-TEAM” primary goal is to create a multidisciplinary training program tailored to healthcare providers. We aimed to bridge the existing knowledge gap across all specialties involved in endometriosis care. This integrated approach is intended to improve diagnostic accuracy, provide holistic and individualized care, reduce patient distress and enhance the quality of life for patients through more informed, collaborative treatment practices.<< Objectives >>Endo Team project address the urgent need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary training in the management of endometriosis for healthcare professionals. Endometriosis is a complex condition that affects multiple aspects of women’s health and requires education and coordinated care across various medical fields, including gynecology, pain management, psychology, and nutrition. Our goal is to equip healthcare providers with specialized skills and knowledge that improve diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy and patient care, ultimately enhancing quality of life for those with endometriosis through a truly integrated treatment approach. The project develops useful methodologies to increase the skills of young professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. The goal is to help to reduce diagnosis times and the identification of therapies as early as possible, making use of multidisciplinary coordination. Healthcare professionals often represent the first approach of a woman with endometriosis, therefore the role of young health professionals is crucial in promoting awareness of endometriosis.<< Implementation >>ENDO-TEAM develops non-formal training methodologies on the diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of endometriosis aimed focusing at young health professionals (target 18-30 yr) in the fields of gynecology, obstetrics, osteopathy, psychology, acupuncture, physiotherapy, nutrition. The aim of the project is to increase the skills of young European health professionals in the path of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. The project develops useful methodologies to increase the skills of young professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. The goal is to reduce diagnosis times and identification of therapies as early as possible, making use of multidisciplinary coordination. Healthcare professionals represent the first approach of a woman with endometriosis, therefore this role is crucial in promoting awareness. ENDO-TEAM is an interactive training: health professionals undertake a digital path to develop soft and hard skills to be applied in their profession. The course is available also on YouTube to ensure maximum accessibility, making it easy for healthcare professionals and the public to access and benefit from this resource.<< Results >>ENDO-TEAM achieved several impactful results aimed at enhancing the quality of care for endometriosis. Key outputs included comprehensive training modules for healthcare providers that addressed endometriosis from multiple perspectives. This multidisciplinary approach fostered collaboration among experts strengthening skills across the team. Additionally, the project developed tools to support healthcare professionals in making patient-centered decisions. ENDO-TEAM is an interactive training: health professionals undertake a digital path to develop soft and hard skills to be applied in their profession. The course is available also on YouTube to ensure maximum accessibility, making it easy for young european healthcare professionals and the public to access and benefit from this resource. Feedback from participants showed improved confidence in multidisciplinary treating endometriosis, emphasizing the success of this holistic training initiative. That approach allow the prompt detection of any psychopathological symptoms and improve the endometriosis-related symptoms, bringing a healthier quality of life and a greater likelihood of a positive outcome.