Public Health and Endometriosis, Orla O'Connor Endometriosis Advocate and Public Health Student

Endometriosis in Ireland: There is a lack of data on endometriosis in Ireland, including prevalence, diagnosis rates, and treatment. People with endometriosis often experience long wait times for diagnosis and treatment and may need to go private to see a specialist.

Public Health and Endometriosis: Public health approaches endometriosis through prevention, promotion, education, and ensuring access to appropriate healthcare.

Orla O'Connor's Story: Orla, an advocate for endometriosis awareness, shares her experience of being diagnosed with endometriosis and the challenges she faced in the Irish healthcare system. She is now studying public health with the goal of using her knowledge to improve the lives of people with endometriosis in Ireland.

Challenges in the Irish Healthcare System: The Irish healthcare system is a multi-tier system with public and private options. This can lead to inequities in access to care, as those with private insurance may be able to access specialists and treatment more quickly.

Patients' Rights: Patients in Ireland have the right to access their medical records. Orla discusses the challenges patients may face in obtaining their records and offers tips for requesting them. She also discusses access to the HSE Cross Border Directive.

In this DEARG Podcast episode, we highlight the need for improved awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis in Ireland and emphasise the potential role of public health in addressing this issue.

Orla O'Connor discusses her decision to go back to college and study public health. She explains the role of public health in preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. Orla highlights the need to treat endometriosis as a public health issue and address the barriers to care in the Irish healthcare system. She also discusses the challenges with accessing medical records and the importance of advocating for oneself. Orla shares her experience with the cross-border directive and the Bucharest Endometriosis Centre, emphasising the need for improved access to specialised care for endometriosis patients. This conversation covers various topics related to healthcare resources, access to healthcare, and support for women with endometriosis. The concerns about the cross-border directive and the potential impact on local populations are also explored. The conversation delves into the barriers women face in accessing healthcare and the importance of empowerment and advocacy. The need for improvements in the healthcare system, including separating public and private healthcare, is emphasised.

Takeaways

Public health plays a crucial role in preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts of society.

Endometriosis should be treated as a public health issue, with a focus on raising awareness, educating the public, and improving access to care.

The Irish healthcare system faces barriers to care, including a multi-tier system and limited access to medical records.

The cross-border directive provides an opportunity for patients to access specialised care abroad, but there are challenges with referrals and reimbursements.

The Bucharest Endometriosis Centre is an example of a healthcare provider that is breaking down barriers to care and providing specialized treatment for endometriosis patients. Brexit has resulted in the loss of healthcare resources in the UK, impacting accessibility for patients.

Different healthcare systems have varying levels of accessibility and may pose challenges in accessing care.

Empowering women in healthcare settings and advocating for their rights is crucial in improving their healthcare experiences.

Complaints and advocacy play a significant role in holding healthcare providers accountable and driving change.

Support and information are essential for patients, including knowledge of their rights and available resources.