Patients play key role in improving fibroids information

Patients across Southwark and Lambeth have successfully worked with Guy’s and St Thomas’ to generate a new patient information booklet and video about fibroids. They provide women affected by fibroids with an easy to understand, accessible way of understanding the condition and the range of treatment options available.

Fibroids affect 40% of women at some point in their life, with the highest frequency of occurrence in women aged 30 to 50 years. For some women, the symptoms can be severe and damaging to their quality of life. Yet until now, women suffering from it have not always received the same access to information about treatment options.

The leaflet and video are an outstanding example of collaboration between health professionals and patients – with women affected by the condition providing the initial catalyst for the work. Patients then remained central to the project throughout, giving valuable feedback on booklet and video design as they progressed.

Irene, one of the patient contributors to the project, says: “I now feel I can make an educated decision on which treatment to get whereas before it felt I was on a wing and a prayer.”

You can download the fibroids leaflet (PDF 1Mb) and watch the video on You Tube.