Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-22-2023
Identifier
DOI: 10.1177/2333794X231212081; PMCID: PMC10666714
Abstract
Objectives: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a family of heritable connective tissue diseases. Primary practitioners are capable of diagnosing and managing EDS; however, few are knowledgeable and comfortable enough to see patients with EDS, resulting in delays in diagnosis and care. This study explores the barriers physicians experience with diagnosing, managing, and caring for patients with EDS, and potential resolutions to those barriers. Methods: As part of a larger online study, providers (n = 107) in the United States were asked to specify "What information would improve (their) comfort" in diagnosing, caring for, and managing EDS via open-ended questions. Results: Providers reported wanting clinical practice guidelines, in formats that were easily accessible and usable, information on their roles in the management of EDS, the best ways to coordinate with specialty care, and available specialty consultation. Conclusions: Providers overall are willing to diagnose and treat EDS; however, additional supports and training are needed.
Journal Title
Glob Pediatr Health
Volume
10
First Page
2333794
Last Page
2333794
Keywords
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; adolescent; diagnosis; pediatrics; provider knowledge; qualitative; treatment
Recommended Citation
Black WR, Black LL, Jones JT. Barriers to the Diagnosis, Care, and Management of Pediatric Patients With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in the United States: A Qualitative Analysis. Glob Pediatr Health. 2023;10:2333794X231212081. Published 2023 Nov 22. doi:10.1177/2333794X231212081
Comments
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
Publisher's Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794x231212081