Feasibility and efficacy of implementing group visits for women’s health conditions: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Shared medical appointments, also known as group visits, are a feasible and well-accepted approach for women receiving antenatal care, yet the feasibility and efficacy of this approach for female-specific reproductive conditions is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to (a) determine the feasibility of group visits in adults with any female-specific reproductive condition, and (b) identify whether delivering group care for these conditions impacts clinical outcomes. METHOD: Six databases and two clinical trials registries were searched from inception through to 26 January 2022 for original research examining group medical visits or group consultation interventions for adults with female reproductive conditions or pathologic conditions specific to the female reproductive system. RESULTS: The search yielded 2584 studies, of which four met the inclusion criteria. Included studies sampled women with breast cancer, chronic pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome and gynaecological cancers. Studies reported high levels of patient satisfaction, with participants indicating their expectations had been met or exceeded. The impact of group visits on clinical outcomes was inconclusive however. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: The studies in this review indicate delivery of female-specific healthcare via a group model maybe feasible and well-accepted. The review provides a solid basis for proposing larger and longer studies on group visits for female reproductive conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020196995). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-023-09582-6.