Women's preferences for their gynecologist or obstetrician

The objective of this study was to evaluate women's preferences in selecting their gynecologist or obstetrician.

This cross-sectional study was performed at the Women's Health Center "Netka", Tel Aviv over a 1-month period in 2006 and included 287 participants. Women were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire.

Most women (60.3%) reported that the gender of their gynecologist or obstetrician was not an important consideration when choosing a gynecologist or an obstetrician. The major determinants in their choice of a gynecologist or an obstetrician included professionalism (98.9%), courtesy (96.6%) and board certification (92%). The rating of the two most important factors in their choice revealed the following order: professionalism (45.3%), courtesy (25.8%), board certification (10.8%), availability (10.1%), comprehension (6.5%) and communication (1.5%).

Israeli women's model of choice of their gynecologist involved physicians' professionalism and courtesy while availability and physician's gender was significantly less important.

The presented data may help health providers during patients' education and counseling along with facilitating better understanding of patients' needs.