Qualifying a quantitative approach to women's expectations of continence surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to explore expectations and goals of women undergoing continence surgery using a combined quantitative and qualitative approach.


METHODS
Women with urinary incontinence, recruited from the waiting list, were assessed with a structured clinical interview, and these data were transcribed and analysed thematically (grounded theory). The Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) was used to determine incontinence impact on patient's life.


RESULTS
Incontinence was objectively quantified using videocystourethrography. KHQ quantitative analysis suggested that the main domains affected were incontinence impact on life and physical limitations. However, qualitative analysis based on the interview found women were most affected by incontinence impact on physical or social limitation, sexual function, emotions and body image.


CONCLUSIONS
Whilst disease-specific QoL questionnaires allow broad comparisons to be made assessing patient bother; they lack sensitivity to assess individual symptoms. A qualitative approach may individualize patient care and improve patient satisfaction and overall outcome.
Srikrishna
Sushma
S
Department of Urogynaecology, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK. sushmasrikrishna@hotmail.com
Robinson
Dudley
D
Cardozo
Linda
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000601:surgery*