None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common but complex condition that is often delayed or difficult to diagnose. This study aims to understand how General Practitioners (GPs) in the Metropolitan Brisbane South and Logan regions currently diagnose and manage PCOS. The primary purpose is to assess GPs' knowledge of the latest 2023 International Guidelines, their current clinical practices, and the barriers they face, such as lack of time, software issues, or confidence when diagnosing the condition . Hypothesis: The study predicts that GPs who are aware of the 2023 International Guidelines will be more likely to use the recommended "simplified" diagnostic pathway (which avoids unnecessary ultrasound scans for certain patients) compared to those who are unaware of the guidelines. Method: Eligible GPs will be invited to complete an anonymous 15-minute online survey. The results will be used to develop better educational resources and support tools to help doctors diagnose PCOS more effectively.
Interventions
Brief name:
Observational Survey of GP Knowledge, Practices, and Barriers regarding PCOS diagnosis (2023 Guidelines).
Description:
Condition Observed / Exposure: This study utilises a cross-sectional design to observe the current clinical management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by General Practitioners. The primary "exposure" being assessed is the uptake and application of the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS.
Method of Observation (
Brief name: Observational Survey of GP Knowledge, Practices, and Barriers regarding PCOS diagnosis (2023 Guidelines). Description: Condition Observed / Exposure: This study utilises a cross-sectional design to observe the current clinical management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by General Practitioners. The primary "exposure" being assessed is the uptake and application of the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS. Method of Observation (Survey Instrument): Participants will complete a purpose-built, anonymous online survey hosted on the Griffith University REDCap platform. The instrument takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and consists of five distinct sections mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour (COM-B) framework: Demographics: Collection of data regarding practice setting, years of experience, and patient demographics (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD populations). Knowledge (Capability): Assessment of familiarity with the Rotterdam criteria (2003) and the "simplified diagnostic pathway" (specifically the non-requirement of ultrasound in patients with irregular cycles and clinical hyperandrogenism). It also assesses knowledge of appropriate biochemical tests (e.g., Free Testosterone). Clinical Practices (Behaviour): Self-reported adherence to diagnostic steps (history, examination, testing) and screening practices for comorbidities including Type 2 diabetes (OGTT/HbA1c), cardiovascular risk, and mental health (depression/anxiety). Barriers and Enablers (Opportunity & Motivation): A Likert-scale assessment of factors influencing practice, such as time constraints, software integration, patient reluctance, and access to specialists. Suggestions: Open-ended feedback on resources required to improve diagnostic confidence. Duration of Observation: This is a single-point-in-time observation (cross-sectional). There is no follow-up period.
Sponsors
Aisha Sheriff (MPhil Student Researcher at Griffith University)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
- Participants must be currently practicing as a General Practitioner (GP) or a GP Registrar (GP in training). - Participants must have their primary place of practice located within the Metropolitan Brisbane South or Logan regions of Queensland. - Participants must be willing and able to provide informed consent to participate.
Exclusion criteria
- Non-GP Medical Specialists: Medical practitioners who are not working in General Practice (e.g., Gynaecologists, Endocrinologists, or Hospital-based doctors), as the study focuses specifically on the primary care "gatekeeper" role. - Other Primary Care Staff: Primary care health professionals who are not medical doctors (e.g., Practice Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, or Allied Health professionals), as the study evaluates medical diagnostic responsibility. - Conflict of Interest/Bias: General Practitioners employed at the specific medical practice where the student researcher is currently employed (to prevent coercion or response bias). - Student Status: Medical students who have not yet commenced their GP Registrar training.
Outcome results
None listed