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01-03-2017 | Original Article

Primary care providers’ attitudes, knowledge, and practice patterns regarding pelvic floor disorders

Authors: Donna Mazloomdoost, Lauren B. Westermann, Catrina C. Crisp, Susan H. Oakley, Steven D. Kleeman, Rachel N. Pauls

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis

Understanding barriers to seeking care for pelvic floor disorders is necessary. We sought to assess familiarity with pelvic floor disorders, as well as identify screening and referral patterns among primary care providers.

Methods

This Institutional Review Board approved study was distributed through a secure online server (SurveyMonkey®). Primary care providers within a large healthcare system were invited to participate in a 14-question survey regarding the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary incontinence (UI), overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Demographic information was collected. Descriptive statistics and associations were calculated.

Results

A total of 360 emails were delivered, 108 responded (response rate 30.0 %). Respondents were evenly distributed with respect to age and years in practice. Providers correctly estimated the prevalence of UI and OAB, and most reported treating these conditions themselves (92.6 % and 88.9 %, respectively). If treatment failed, however, referral was most often (68.1 %) to urology. The majority reported not screening for POP, and 50.9 % believed the prevalence to be rare. Referrals for POP were most often (61.1 %) to urogynecology. Male providers were less likely to screen for POP than female providers (p < 0.001). Only a minority (35.2 %) described being ‘very familiar’ with urogynecology, and 19.4 % were unaware of such providers within the system.

Conclusions

Primary care providers within a large healthcare system were more familiar with UI and OAB than POP, often underestimating the prevalence of POP. Nearly one-fifth were unaware of urogynecologists within their system. Educational outreach regarding pelvic floor disorders and the urogynecology specialty would likely improve patient access to care.

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Title: Primary care providers’ attitudes, knowledge, and practice patterns regarding pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Donna Mazloomdoost
Lauren B. Westermann
Catrina C. Crisp
Susan H. Oakley
Steven D. Kleeman
Rachel N. Pauls
Publication date: 01-03-2017
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-016-3134-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Primary care providers’ attitudes, knowledge, and practice patterns regarding pelvic floor disorders

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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