Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The benefits of patient education in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are known but a cost effective way to offer the education to these patients need to be assessed. As part of a quality improvement project in an outpatient setting we tested the idea of incorporating group education for women with PCOS in their routine care process. We tested two different methods.

Methods: 1. January-June 2017: Ad hoc open patient invitation

A researcher identified all women with PCOS coming to outpatient reception. Patients were given a letter inviting them to a group session. All clinicians and Trainees were encouraged to invite patients to the sessions.

2. January – June 2018: Dedicated education clinic

A clinic code was set up and an official appointment letter sent to patients. All clinicians and Trainees were made aware of the clinic code and availability of the education session through reminder e-mails.

The education sessions were held in the same location and at similar times. Patients were invited to bring a friend or family member. Assessment of the session was rated from 1 (very bad) to 5 (very good).

Results: Group A: Ad hoc invitation

135 women with PCOS were offered the education session and only 6 (4%) attended.

Group B: Dedicated education clinic

18 of the 31 women (58%) who received an appointment attended the education session.

All patients but two scored the sessions four and five (good or very good respectively) and expressed a desire for more sessions.

Conclusion: Patients with PCOS find education sessions helpful want to come back for more. A dedicated education clinic with an appointment letter with date and time is more effective than an ad hoc open invitation. This proof of concept study might inform methodology for an educational intervention in outpatient setting.