Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of lifestyle management in polycystic ovary syndrome: endocrinologists’ and obstetricians and gynaecologists’ perspectives

Abstract

Objective: To study the barriers and facilitators to lifestyle management in PCOS from the perspectives of endocrinologists and obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) to inform the translation and implementation of the international evidence-based guideline on lifestyle management in PCOS. Methods: 11 endocrinologists and ten Ob/Gyns participated in semi-structured interviews and transcripts were thematically analyzed on NVIVO software. Results: Both endocrinologists and Ob/Gyns supported lifestyle as key to PCOS management but faced systemic barriers of lack of access to allied health services and had limited capacity for in-depth lifestyle discussions. They suggested team-based approach to address these barriers. Endocrinologists reported lifestyle could be a less effective treatment option and most of their patients had challenges with past failed lifestyle attempts while Ob/Gyns perceived the desire to conceive among patients a facilitator. The importance of credible, individualised and PCOS-specific lifestyle advice was highlighted. Conclusion: Endocrinologists and Ob/Gyns perceived lifestyle management as integral to PCOS management but experience barriers to lifestyle management related to specialist care. Practice implications: Resources that provide credible, individualized and PCOS-specific lifestyle advice, team care approach and professional development on motivating patients for lifestyle modification may address these barriers.