title: Current Use of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification by AUGS and ICS Members.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  : To determine the current use of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) by members of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and the International Continence Society (ICS).
  
  
  METHODS
  : Surgically active members of AUGS and ICS completed a Web-based questionnaire about their use of the POP-Q and included queries regarding respondent's clinical training, surgical experience, and practice setting. Users of POP-Q described their POP-Q use including patient's position, tools used to measure or assist with exposure, use of strain, and bladder volume. Strengths and weaknesses of the POP-Q system were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : The 308 respondents had a median of 8 years (range, 0-35 years) of independent performance of POP surgery. Most were from the United States (70%), in a shared practice (64%), with at least 2 years of fellowship training (61%), and had trainees participating in patient care (81%). Of the respondents, 76% reported using the POP-Q; however, the technique of POP-Q varied. Of the 24% not using the POP-Q, two-thirds reported past POP-Q use. For these individuals, prolapse description was done using Baden-Walker (57%), descriptive words (38%), or other grades (7%). More than 50% of nonusers reported that the POP-Q is "too time-consuming" or that their "colleagues do not use it."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : Although most surveyed members of AUGS and ICS are using the POP-Q, we detected variability in the day-to-day practice of POP-Q use. To further advance the communication benefits of the POP-Q, a revision that provides evidence-based guidance may be a worthwhile refinement.
authors.affiliation: From the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL.
authors.forename: Thythy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pham
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burgart
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kenton
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brubaker