VLS-PC (Vulval Lichen Sclerosus – Primary Care): Barriers to identifying, diagnosing, and treating Vulval Lichen Sclerosus in primary care: A mixed methods survey study.
Overview
Vulval Lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic condition which can cause significant symptoms, interferes with day to day life and has a substantial impact on quality of life. It also increases vulval cancer risk by up to 22 times. It is a treatable condition, with use of steroid creams allowing resolution of symptoms and prevention of complications.
Women with VLS often experience delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. The most common setting in which women present with symptoms and are diagnosed with VLS is primary care. We are distributing a survey to clinicians that work in primary care via professional networks and at professional events with the aim of understanding the barriers to identifying, diagnosing and treating VLS in primary care.
Study Objectives:
Primary Objective:
To investigate primary care clinicians’ perception of confidence in identifying and managing vulval skin conditions with focus on lichen sclerosus by establishing:
1. their confidence in examining female genitalia and identifying vulval skin disease
2. their confidence in diagnosing and treating of VLS
3. their opinions on the possible barriers to diagnosis and treatment of VLS.
Secondary Objective
To establish the level of education and training of clinicians’ on vulval skin disease.
Tertiary Objective
To determine whether having a diagnostic criteria for VLS is perceived as helpful by clinicians and in which format they would prefer a diagnostic tool to be available.
Opportunity to take part:
Are you a clinician working in UK primary care?
Do you examine female genitalia as part of your job role?
If the answer to both of those questions is yes and you would like to take part, please contact louise.clarke1@nottingham.ac.uk