Background Aim and Objectives

Our aim is to understand the patient and healthcare provider experiences in the healthcare system, and to develop and implement a multidisciplinary model of pathways to care for those with PCOS in Alberta. Firstly, we need to learn why those with PCOS at high risk of obesity and diabetes slip through the cracks in the healthcare system; and Secondly we need to improve healthcare for those with PCOS. The primary objectives of this project are;

i) To conduct focus groups to generate much needed evidence on the patient and healthcare professional perspective on the healthcare needs and current barriers in the Alberta healthcare system. It is important to have this evidence to inform the development of preventative and multidisciplinary healthcare strategies and the pathways to improve primary care in this population.

ii) To work with stakeholders to develop a multidisciplinary model of pathways to care for those affected by PCOS. We will develop an integrative evidence-based algorithm and align with digital health technology to develop a primary care pathway to address improvements in diagnosis, screening, follow up management and prevention of obesity and diabetes in those affected by PCOS.

iii) To implement the model of pathways to care in PCOS in Alberta. The pathways to care in PCOS will be launched in the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Pathways HUB with associated key components of assessment and care, specialist referral, links to resources and a ‘patient pathway’ information to support a plan of care and self-management.

Outcomes

Pathways that patients and physicians can follow to improve  the diagnosis and manage the health care needs of those living with PCOS.