E-Posters-10262

10262_Barr

Pdf Summary

The objective of this study was to identify the screening, treatment, and referral practices of primary care physicians (PCPs) for patients with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) and to evaluate their awareness of the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) subspecialty. The study involved conducting a cross-sectional survey of PCPs, with 399 respondents completing the entire survey. The results showed that less than one-third of PCPs screened for PFDs and only two-thirds felt comfortable diagnosing urinary complaints. Furthermore, even fewer PCPs felt comfortable diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and fecal incontinence (FI). The majority of PCPs were unaware of FPMRS and the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and commonly referred PFD patients to other specialists. PCPs referred to colorectal surgery for FI, to ob/gyn for obstetric anal sphincter injury and POP, and to urology for various urinary conditions. The study concluded that PCPs do not routinely screen for PFDs and are less comfortable treating them. The authors recommended the promotion of screening tools and the writing of FPMRS specialists in online journals to increase awareness and treatment of the subspecialty and the disorders it treats. <br /><br />This study provides important insights into the current practices and knowledge gaps among PCPs in relation to PFDs. It highlights the need for increased education and awareness for PCPs in order to improve the diagnosis and management of PFDs. By promoting screening tools and raising awareness of the FPMRS subspecialty, PCPs can better identify and treat patients with PFDs, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this important area of women's health.

Keywords

primary care physicians

screening practices

treatment practices

referral practices

pelvic floor disorders

awareness

urinary complaints

pelvic organ prolapse

fecal incontinence

diagnosis