An audit of general practitioner referrals for pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool and access to this investigation is not universally available to all general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this study was to assess if GPs working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were using pelvic ultrasound appropriately by determining the rates of diagnostic yield and referral after the investigation. It was then ascertained if these results were affected by the post-graduate training or gender of the doctor. The subjects were adult females who had had a pelvic ultrasound ordered by a GP over a 2-month period. A chart review determined the presenting complaint, the completeness of the request form, the result of the ultrasound and subsequent management of the patient. Diagnostic yields and referral rates were similar to those found in other studies and were unaffected by the post graduate training or gender of the doctor or the amount of information contained in the request form. This study supports the premise that GPs can use pelvic ultrasound appropriately and should be allowed free access to this investigation.