Identifying health information gaps and opportunities to support optimum care and education of females with Mullerian Anomalies

Our project will seek to identify health information gaps and opportunities to support the optimal clinical care and education of females diagnosed with Mullerian Anomalies (a recognized National Institutes of Health Sexual and Gender Minority health disparity population due to Mullerian Anomalies classification as a Difference of Sexual Development1). As females with Mullerian Anomalies (gynecological birth defects found in approximately 7% of the general female population, leading to atypical variations of the uterine and vaginal anatomy2) often experience lifelong gynecological comorbidities, the access to accurate and timely information regarding treatment and care for the condition - for both providers and patients alike - is crucial. Due to inherent challenges with rural healthcare access, those patients in rural areas face greater difficulties in obtaining comprehensive care, highlighting the crucial role of appropriate health information for this population. Through our project we will seek to foster longer term engagement with both patients with the condition, and their providers, across predominantly rural areas of Region 4. This work adds considerable value to a Montanan based pilot project focused on investigating rural healthcare for women with more complex gynecological conditions, via the ability to specifically focus on engagement with this population to assess and ultimately address their health information needs. Our proposed resource review (including NLM resources), partnership building with patient advocacy associations, and engagement with rural Ob/Gyns across Region 4 who care for this population, will form a strong foundation to strengthen access to vital health information for this health disparity population.