Research Round-up – February 2019 – Pauline Williams

The Research Round-up team interview Dr Pauline Williams, Academic Fellow at the Centre of Academic Primary Care at the University of Aberdeen and General Practitioner. In this episode we discuss Dr Williams recently published Patient and primary care delays in the diagnostic pathway of gynaecological cancers: a systematic review of influencing factors in the British Journal of General Practice. Dr Williams’ group analysed evidence from 37 studies and established that patients, often did not understand the significance of symptoms, and did not request guidance quickly. Some patients did not seek consultation due to fears about having pelvic examinations. Presenting symptoms, which do not immediately suggest a gynaecological cancer diagnosis, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, can also mislead GPs and patients may be referred to specialities other than gynaecology. 

Articles

Williams, P., Murchie, P., & Bond, C. (2019). Patient and primary care delays in the diagnostic pathway of gynaecological cancers: a systematic review of influencing factors. Br J Gen Pract 16 January 2019; bjgp19X700781. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19X700781

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