The role of primary physicians in the diagnostic delay of lower urinary tract and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the role of primary physicians in the diagnostic delay of lower urinary tract and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in parous women.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study of women referred to the Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic of a major medical center by primary physicians in the community for initial assessment of lower urinary tract and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms.


RESULTS
Most of the women blamed themselves for the delay. However, the primary physicians were considered responsible for 33.5% of the delays. There was no between-group differences in self-blame (p=0.438). Women with pelvic organ prolapse blamed the gynecologist significantly more often than women with lower urinary tract symptoms (p=0.043); 38.6% of the physicians considered the symptoms not sufficiently severe or a natural part of aging.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients need to receive more information on the availability of specific evaluations and treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Urogynecology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel. haimkr@clalit.org.il
Haim
H
Krissi
Ram
R
Eitan
Yoav
Y
Peled
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D059411:Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010819:Physician's Role; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology