This thesis will explore the complexity of endometriosis, from a clinical point of view and in a care perspective, with particular attention to the figure of the nurse.
Endometriosis is a very common but little known desease, caused by dissemination and growth of endometrial tissue, glands and stroma in abnormal locations such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, uterine ligaments, rectovaginal septum. In Italy about 3 millions of women are affected by it.
The pathology and the painful symptoms that follow, have invalidating features and heavily influence the life of the affected women in the sexual sphere, in the studies, works and relationships, compromising the chance of a future pregnancy and restricting the normal participation to the social activities.
Specifically the figure of the nurse in a outpatient context in the Centre for endometriosis and pelvic pain of the Policlinico di Modena is analized.
The nursing approach focuses on the woman and her bio-psico-social needs, and through education, active listening and support, contributes to identify the strong points of the women and to help them to develop strategies to live best with a cronic desease as endometriosis.
Concluding a plan to handle the needs of nursing care, using NANDA, NIC and NOC taxonomy and a standardized language, with which the nurse can provide documentary and evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing intervention on the improvement of the assisted women.
