My name is Julia Bailey, and I am a 4th year Medical Sciences student at the University of Edinburgh. As part of my final year dissertation project, I am undertaking a research project focused on PCOS. My interest in this subject comes from personal experience surrounding the subject and the lack of research surrounding women’s health. This project will hopefully help my understanding of individual’s views and experiences in this subject area, allowing me to pursue a public health master’s degree and continuing into my public health career.
My project aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals with PCOS in the UK, with particular focus on the people’s experience of the diagnostic process for this condition, as well as what kinds of support services or networks people may or may not have used and found helpful. I am also interested in understanding how people with lived experience of PCOS define and describe the condition for themselves, perhaps beyond medical definitions. The data gathered from this project will hopefully shed light on the concerns of individuals with PCOS concerning the diagnostic process and support. In addition, it is hoped that the project’s findings may indicate useful next steps that can be taken in order to raise awareness of PCOS and improve support for those suffering from the condition, specifically in the UK, as well as areas of further research.
If you would like to find out more, or are interested in taking part, please contact Julia Bailey (s1964913@ed.ac.uk).
Verity - The PCOS charity 