The below blog post has been written by the research team, and details of how to participate in the research can be found at the bottom of this post. Verity have sighted the ethics approval granted for the recruitment of this study.
The current evidence indicates dissatisfaction with experiences of PCOS diagnosis and gaps in meeting the support needs of those living with the condition. This study aims to explore experiences of diagnosis and support needs within Kent, Surrey & Sussex in the UK. Findings from the study will further understanding of diagnosis and treatment experiences to inform resource development to address current gaps and improve lived experiences and outcomes. The research is aimed at those diagnosed with PCOS, aged 18 or over and living in Kent, Surrey or Sussex.
This study will provide insights and recommendations in relation to diagnosis, support needs and care pathways across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, which may be applicable more widely. The research is being led by a team from the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS) at University of Kent. The School of Sciences Staff Review Committee have provided favourable ethical opinion for the study (Ref: 1166).
Participants will be invited to attend an online interview with a member of the research team, which will take up to one hour.
We are looking for participants aged 18 or over, diagnosed with PCOS and living in Kent, Surrey or Sussex.
Taking part will contribute to the development of resources to enhance diagnosis experiences and address existing gaps of support needs within primary care pathways, which previous literature has indicated is a wider issue for many living with PCOS internationally.
If you are interested in taking part, please email Kate Day at K.Day-398@kent.ac.uk before 1st August 2025
Sharon Manship (Principal Investigator) and Kate Day (Research Assistant) are based at CHSS, University of Kent and have experience and interest in women’s health and public health research, which resulted in them founding the Inclusive Women’s Health Research Group (https://research.kent.ac.uk/iwhrg-kent/). Furthermore, Sharon has personal experience of PCOS and is therefore passionate about helping others living with the condition. The researchers are also supported by an engaged and enthusiastic Expert Advisory Group of those with lived experience of PCOS, so the study and findings will be relevant and have an impact on those living with the condition.
Thank you very much for considering participating in the study. We encourage you to share the details with others you may think be interested and eligible. If you have any questions about the study, you can contact Kate Day at K.Day-398@kent.ac.uk or Sharon Manship at S.Manship@kent.ac.uk. For further information about our Inclusive Women’s Health Research Group you can follow us on X or Instagram @IWHRG_Kent
Verity - The PCOS charity 
This is such an important and much-needed study. Many people with PCOS don’t feel heard or supported when it comes to diagnosis and care. It’s great to see research being done locally to improve this. Hope lots of people take part!