Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Before Versus After an Initial Urogynecology Consultation

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Medical Education
• Patient Knowledge Assessment

Background:

• Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common conditions affecting women's quality of life.
• Patient understanding of these conditions can influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
• The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) assesses patient knowledge in these areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the change in Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) scores following an initial consultation with a urogynecology physician.
• To explore the relationship between PIKQ scores, symptom severity, and patient satisfaction with treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study enrolled 94 new patients (≥18 years) referred for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
• Patients completed the PIKQ, symptom severity, and satisfaction questionnaires before and after their urogynecology consultation.
• Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation coefficients and p-tests to assess relationships and score changes.

Main Results:

• Mean PIKQ scores significantly increased after the consultation (2.4 ± 5.2 points, p < 0.001).
• Neither pre-visit PIKQ scores nor the change in scores correlated with treatment satisfaction.
• Symptom severity showed weak correlations with pre-visit PIKQ scores but not with the change in scores.

Conclusions:

• Initial urogynecology consultations effectively enhance patient knowledge about pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.
• The increase in knowledge does not appear to be directly linked to symptom severity or satisfaction with the consultation's treatment decisions.