Practice patterns of physician members of the American Urogynecologic Society regarding female sexual dysfunction: results of a national survey.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate practice patterns of members of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) with respect to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). A brief self-administered survey of 20 questions was mailed to 966 physician members of the AUGS in the United States of America and Canada; 471 surveys were returned (49% response rate). The majority of responders see urogynecology (19%) or urogynecology and general gynecology patients (43%). Sixty-eight percent of physicians were familiar with questionnaires to assess FSD; however, only 13% said they use these for screening purposes. Most said they believed screening for FSD was somewhat (47%) or very important (42%). Despite having these beliefs, only 22% of the responding physicians stated they always screen for FSD, while 55% do so most of the time and 23% admitted they never or rarely screen. Similar results were obtained regarding screening following urogynecologic surgery. Several barriers to screening for FSD existed, the most common being lack of time. The majority of respondents (69%) underestimated the prevalence of FSD in their patient population. Finally, although more than half of responders had received post-residency training in urogynecology (59%), 50% of them stated the training with respect to FSD was unsatisfactory, while only 10% were satisfied. Overall, many urogynecologists do not consistently screen for FSD, underestimate its prevalence, and feel they received unsatisfactory training.
Pauls
Rachel N
RN
Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 375 Dixmyth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. Rachel_Pauls@trihealth.com
Kleeman
Steven D
SD
Segal
Jeffrey L
JL
Silva
W Andre
WA
Goldenhar
Linda M
LM
Karram
Mickey M
MM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education