Readability and quality of Wikipedia articles on pelvic floor disorders.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study is aimed at evaluating the readability and quality of Wikipedia articles on pelvic floor disorders (PFD) and comparing their content with International Urogynecological Association patient education leaflets. METHODS: Readability was assessed using six different readability scales, including the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index, which is considered superior for scoring healthcare information. Quality was assessed by three female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellows using the modified DISCERN instrument. DISCERN is validated to evaluate the quality of written consumer health information; it was subsequently modified by health education researchers to enable the evaluation of Wikipedia articles. RESULTS: We evaluated 30 Wikipedia articles that correlated with 29 International Urogynecological Association leaflets. The mean SMOG score of the Wikipedia articles was 12.0 ± 2.1 (12th-grade reading level) whereas the mean SMOG score of the International Urological Association (IUGA) leaflets was 3.4 ± 0.3 (third-grade reading level, p < 0.001). The mean modified DISCERN score of the Wikipedia articles was 34.43 ± 5.90 (moderate quality); however, the mean modified DISCERN score of the IUGA literature was 45.02 ± 1.36 (good quality, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Wikipedia articles on PFD are neither readable nor reliable: they require a 12th-grade-level education for comprehension and are merely rated moderate in quality. In comparison, IUGA leaflets require a third-grade education for comprehension and are rated good in quality. Urogynecological providers should provide appropriate health education materials to patients, as Wikipedia is both a popular and sometimes inaccurate resource for patients.

The use of infection prevention practices in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses recently published and relevant data on the preventive techniques used to reduce perioperative infections in urogynecologic procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: The consequences of postprocedural and postsurgical infections in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery can be challenging. Infections can range from a simple urinary tract infection to a devastating infection of vaginally implanted mesh that requires multiple subsequent reoperations. Measures taken to reduce the chances of postprocedural or postsurgical infections may provide better outcomes, with lower costs and less litigation. Recent studies on the outcomes of specific practices used in urology and urogynecology to prevent infectious complications can help guide clinicians through the decision-making process on which new practices to adopt. SUMMARY: Good evidence-based practices to reduce or prevent infectious complications after procedures in female urology and urogynecology will save time, lower morbidity, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, there is still a great need for more level I evidence on infection prevention practices utilized in female urology and urogynecology.

American Urogynecologic Society Systematic Review: The Impact of Weight Loss Intervention on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Urinary Incontinence in Overweight and Obese Women.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity can contribute to urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and incontinence. In addition to classic treatments, weight loss interventions offer a unique clinical opportunity to improve these symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: The American Urogynecologic Society Systematic Review Group conducted a review of articles on the impact of surgical and behavioral weight loss (BWL) interventions on urinary symptoms in overweight and obese women. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: The review group identified 43 publications from 39 studies, including 10 reports that used data from 5 randomized trials. Overall, there is high-certainty evidence that BWL, such as diet and exercise, decreases the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence 15% to 18% and overall urinary incontinence (UI) by 12% to 17% at 1 to 2.9 years. The certainty of evidence on the long-term impact of these interventions was lower. The certainty of the evidence was moderate to low regarding the benefit of BWL on urgency UI and overactive bladder symptoms. No randomized trials evaluated the impact of surgical weight loss on urinary symptoms, and the certainty of evidence of other study types was very low. CONCLUSIONS: There is high-certainty evidence that BWL results in modest improvements in stress and overall UI in overweight and obese women at 1 to 2.9 years after the intervention. Robust studies with low risk of bias are needed to assess whether these benefits are maintained over the long term and are associated with adverse events and to assess the impact of surgical weight loss interventions on urinary outcomes in overweight and obese women.

Review of the diagnosis, management and treatment of fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence is a common problem affecting women but is underreported because of patients' reluctance to discuss their symptoms and an inconsistent use of screening tools by physicians. Obstetric injury from vaginal delivery is the principal cause of fecal incontinence among young women. Prevalence rates are highest in the elderly, especially those with declining cognitive function. There are multiple diagnostic tests including anal manometry, endosonography, defecography, and pudendal nerve latency testing to assist physicians in the workup of patients and aid in the selection of appropriate treatment options. After patient identification and workup, most patients can be offered conservative measures including dietary measures and biofeedback. Surgery is indicated for specific abnormalities such as rectal prolapse, fistula, and recent obstetrical sphincter injury repair. Management of refractory cases may include sacral nerve stimulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. Fecal diversion or an artificial bowel sphincter may be considered when all else has failed. Primary care physicians, gynecologists, and specialists in female pelvic medicine should screen women for fecal incontinence. Initial conservative therapy may be directed by the primary health provider, and those resistant to this approach should be referred to specialist care.

Improving resident screening and workup of urinary incontinence in an OB/GYN residency program: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: : With an aging US population, an increased prevalence of urinary incontinence, rising health care costs, and a disease that remains largely unidentified, there is an immediate need to train physicians to screen for and treat incontinence. We aim to evaluate resident physician screening of urinary incontinence with a chart-based review. METHODS: : This study entailed 2 parts: a retrospective chart review (part 1) and a prospective randomized trial (part 2). Charts of 200 patients were retrospectively evaluated for documentation of bladder symptoms and incontinence for part 1. In part 2, patients' charts were prospectively randomized to receive a chart-alert sticker ("Do you leak urine?") that reminded resident physicians to ask about urinary incontinence in their general gynecology clinics. The primary outcome was documentation of urinary incontinence. Secondary outcomes were initiation of workup, diagnoses made, and treatment plans. Overall, 200 charts were needed for the prospective study to provide 80% power. RESULTS: : Residents documented any type of bladder symptom (incontinence, urgency, frequency, dysuria, nocturia) in 32 (16.3%) of 196 charts in part 1 and 45 (23.7%) of the 190 randomized charts in part 2 (P = 0.154). In the prospective study, 88 included charts were randomized to receive the "Do you leak urine?" chart-alert sticker and 102 were randomized to no sticker. Residents documented that they asked about incontinence in 30 (34.1%) of the charts with stickers versus 4 (3.9%) of the charts without (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the rate that resident physicians inquired about incontinence increased with the alert-sticker from 4% to 34%. Directed education will likely further this improvement.