Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Views of Follow Up Care.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patients Views of the Information and Support Provided in the G.P. Setting Following a Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
IRAS ID
142345
Contact name
Chris Inman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects 6-7% of the female population according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists(2007). Further research has shown a need to identify areas where women with PCOS feel unsupported, needing help and guidance. The condition of PCOS is a complex condition associated with many health problems including obesity, diabetes, and endometrial cancer. Further health risks include infertility, sleep apnoea and psychological problems. Bordo (1997) highlights how the media portrays messages, particularly visual messages, that encourage women to compare themselves to others. For some women with PCOS deeply affected by obesity and hirsutism, images of slim, flawless women can cause great distress. It is therefore important that patients receive education concerning their condition, with support and follow up after diagnosis. The study population will be women with PCOS of reproductive age 16-44. The research will be conducted within the GP setting aiming to use two semi-structured interviews over a two to three week period, using open-ended questions.The aim will be to interview eight participants or until the point of data saturation. The method of purposeful sampling will be used. Women with a palliative illness, will be excluded, as the research may be too stressful or inappropriate. Women with communication difficulties would also be excluded due to the need for communication from both sides.
Using the first interview as a pilot study will help to identify problems in the interview schedule or research tools. Data analysis will be conducted in a step wise manner. Each response from participants will be transcribed then divided into a series of expressions that identify common themes along with findings that are out of the ordinary or contradictory. This will then be condensed to form final conclusions. All data will be included in the final presentation including findings from the pilot study.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1206
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion