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The rectovaginal examination: physician attitudes and practice patterns.
Laura Davisson1, Karen Clark, Roxann Powers
1Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. ldavisson@hsc.wvu.edu
Southern Medical Journal
|March 24, 2006
Summary
The rectovaginal examination (RVE) is not routinely performed by most physicians, despite some believing it offers additional information. Further research is needed to assess the impact of its omission on women's health.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Internal Medicine
- Medical Education
Background:
- The clinical utility of the rectovaginal examination (RVE) remains unvalidated.
- Physician practices and attitudes towards the RVE are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate physician attitudes and practice patterns concerning the rectovaginal examination (RVE).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among internal medicine and obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) residents and faculty.
- The survey targeted physicians at a university hospital.
Main Results:
- Only 34% of surveyed physicians routinely perform the RVE.
- OB/GYN physicians were more likely than internal medicine physicians to routinely perform the RVE (60% vs. 27%, P=0.02) and believe it provides additional information (80% vs. 44%, P=0.01).
- A majority (53%) believed the RVE offers extra information, yet fewer (42%) agreed with its routine inclusion, and only 34% reported performing it routinely (P=0.0001).
Conclusions:
- OB/GYN physicians more frequently perform the RVE and perceive it as providing additional value compared to internal medicine physicians.
- Further research is warranted to determine if the infrequent performance of the RVE affects women's health outcomes.