Secondary outcomes
When explicitly asked which phenotypes of endometriosis could be diagnosed using ultrasound, 14.7%, 31.1%, and 18.2% stated superficial, ovarian, and deep endometriosis could be diagnosed. 32.9% stated they did not know which phenotypes of endometriosis could be diagnosed using ultrasound. 58.4% of respondents do not believe they could access an ultrasound equipped to diagnose endometriosis in their region.
Respondents were asked to choose from a list of possible benefits of an ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis for a patient undergoing surgery . In the opinion of 74.8% of respondents, ultrasound may allow a patient to understand their disease better; 75.9% of them responded that it might inform the patients what may be removed during surgery; 71.7% answered that it could reassure the patients that the team is aware where the deposits are and can plan the surgery to remove as much as possible; 71.7% responded that it might assist the patients in the decision for or against surgery.
Similarly, respondents were asked to choose from a list of possible benefits of an ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis for a surgeon that is planning to perform surgery. In the opinion of 77.6%, gynaecologists could be better prepared regarding the stage of disease; 78.3% thought it would help the gynaecologist to counsel their patients on the risks and benefits of surgery more comprehensively; 78.6% believed ultrasound might guide a gynaecologist to consult other surgical services; 68.5% responded that would help to anticipate the time to complete the surgery; 72.0% believed that it would help to predict the patient’s recovery time; and finally, 65.6% responded it would reduce the need for diagnostic laparoscopy.
From the acquisition of further knowledge perspective, when asked aboutwhat sources for more information on endometriosis (more than one answer was allowed), the most significant proportion of the respondents (77.8%) responded that the internet was the source for additional information. 68.6% of the surveyed population chose the gynaecologist. The choices for textbooks or literature, social media, and friends and family were 44.8, 42.6%, and 23.5%, respectively. Following the provision of educational material near the end of the survey, we asked if respondents learned anything in the process of completing the survey, to which 54.0% answered, “yes”.