Women's and health professionals' needs and preferences informing the updated IMS recommendations.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and compare the priorities for content and accompanying resources of midlife women (MW) and health professionals (HPs) to inform the updated International Menopause Society (IMS) recommendations. Two online multi-language surveys with a range of response options were disseminated internationally to MW aged 45-65&#x2009;years and HPs, respectively. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, chi-square and Leximancer thematic analysis of free text responses. Approximately 50% of respondents were European and 50% from the rest of the world. Among MW (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;756), 44.8% were postmenopausal, 85% reported menopausal symptoms and 82% had consulted a HP regarding menopause. Among HPs (<i>n</i>&#x2009;=&#x2009;500), most were gynecologists (49.2%), and 286/499 were aware of and 246/279 used the 2016 IMS recommendations. Although &gt;70% respondents perceived that most 2016 topics be retained, similarities and differences between the priorities of HPs and MW were identified. HPs prioritized premature ovarian insufficiency, breast cancer and non-pharmacological/lifestyle interventions; MW emphasized midlife body changes, skin, heart/brain health, quality of life, novel therapies and media/pharma influences. There were significant differences in the accompanying resources preferred by MW and HPs. This study highlights the different priorities and resource needs of MW and HPs. These findings informed the updated IMS recommendations to better address stakeholder needs. To make sure the updated International Menopause Society (IMS) recommendations on midlife women&#x2019;s health and menopause meet real needs, the IMS asked two groups &#x2013; women aged 45&#x2013;65&#x2009;years and health professionals (HPs) &#x2013; what topics and resources they find most important and wanted included in the recommendations.Two international online surveys were completed by 756 women and 500 HPs, about 50% from UK/Europe and 50% from the rest of the world. Almost half of the women were postmenopausal, 85% experienced menopause symptoms and 82% had seen a HP about menopause. Among HPs, most were gynecologists and only half were aware of or used the 2016 IMS recommendations.Both groups agreed that many existing topics remain important, but they had different priorities. HPs focused on premature ovarian insufficiency, breast cancer and lifestyle interventions. Women prioritized information on body changes, skin and connective tissue health, heart and brain health, quality of life and new therapies. Women also asked for information about how recommendations are developed and the influence of media and pharmaceutical companies.When it comes to practical tools, HPs preferred education modules, webinars and decision-making algorithms. Women wanted easy-to-understand resources like care plans, fact sheets, mobile apps and podcasts.These findings informed the updated recommendations to reflect both clinical priorities and women&#x2019;s lived experiences and needs, along with tailored resources for professionals and consumers.