Self-assessment of nursing preparedness and knowledge in the care of patients with obstetric anal sphincter injuries and utilization of a computer-based learning module for continued nursing education in the United States.

IMPORTANCE: Perineal injury is the most common complication of vaginal delivery, and labor and delivery (L&D) nurses are crucial in managing and educating women following perineal trauma. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess L&D nurse experience, knowledge, and self-perception of preparedness in caring for women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and to compare pre- and post-test scores using a computer-based learning module (CBL) for OASIS nurse education. STUDY DESIGN: All L&D nurses were invited to complete a voluntary, self-assessment questionnaire inquiring about prior experience, training, and education and current clinical practice in caring for patients with OASIS. They were also asked to answer ten knowledge-based questions about OASIS. The primary outcome was change in pretest and posttest knowledge-based scores after completion of CBL. RESULTS: Forty-one L&D nurses voluntarily responded to the self-assessment survey. Of respondents, 20% answered they were "very comfortable", 48% "comfortable", 23% "neutral," and 8% "uncomfortable" for caring for women with OASIS post-delivery. Fifty-three percent of reported having no formal education in nursing school about OASIS and 35% reported no formal training while at work. The average pretest knowledge test score was 66.3% and 93.5% (p < 0.001) after completion of the CBL. CONCLUSIONS: Most L&D nurses in this study reported having very limited formal nursing education in OASIS. Regardless of this lack of formal training, the majority of L&D nurses in this sample described themselves as comfortable caring for patients with OASIS post-delivery. Completion of a CBL was associated with higher OASIS knowledge scores.

Pass or Fail? Postoperative Active Voiding Trials in an Enhanced Recovery Program.

IMPORTANCE: Pelvic reconstructive surgery is often associated with transient postoperative voiding dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare postoperative active voiding trial (AVT) outcomes before and after implementation of an enhanced recovery program (ERP) for women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. In addition, risk factors for postoperative urinary retention were identified. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively identified patients undergoing inpatient vaginal or robotic pelvic reconstructive surgery before and after implementation of an ERP at our institution. Demographics, operative and postoperative details, and AVT outcomes were collected. Primary outcome was AVT failure. Variables associated with increased risk of AVT failure were identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred seventeen patients were included-75 pre-ERP and 242 ERP. There was no difference in AVT failures between pre-ERP and ERP groups (21.3% vs 21.9%, P = 0.92). The AVT failures were highest among those with abnormal preoperative postvoid residual volume (PVR ≥100 mL, 25.9% vs 12.2%, P = 0.01) and those who underwent an incontinence procedure (midurethral sling or Kelly plication, 30.4% vs 16.9%, P = 0.01). Compared with a reference procedure (total vaginal hysterectomy [TVH]), the following procedures were associated with statistically significant higher odds ratios (ORs) of AVT failure: TVH with incontinence procedure (OR, 15.0; confidence interval [CI], 4.58-48.9; P < 0.001), TVH with anterior repair (OR, 4.98; CI, 1.93-12.9; P = 0.001), and robotic sacrocolpopexy (OR, 3.6; CI, 1.18-11.2; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AVT failure incidence did not differ pre- and post-ERP intervention. Abnormal preoperative PVR was associated with failed postoperative voiding trial. Concomitant incontinence procedures and/or anterior colporrhaphy were associated with increased incidence of voiding trial failure regardless of ERP cohort.

Enhanced Recovery After Urogynecologic Surgery: A Survey of Patient Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify which aspects/components of the enhanced recovery program (ERP) were associated with a positive patient surgical experience for patients undergoing urogynecologic surgery. METHODS: A total of 198 patients who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery requiring hospital admission were invited to complete questionnaires modeled after the validated Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Surgical Care Survey patient experience survey. Patients were asked about 3 phases of ERP interventions: (1) before surgery (patient education, carbohydrate loading), (2) during the hospital stay (pain control, nausea, early ambulation), and (3) after discharge (return of bladder and bowel function). RESULTS: One hundred patients completed the survey (51% response rate). Greater than 90% of patients rated their overall surgical experience favorably (≥8 on 1-10 scale) regardless of age (P = 0.98), race (P = 0.26), education level (P = 0.12), perception of overall health (P = 0.17), or number of prior surgical procedures (P = 0.86). Ninety-two percent of patients reported that preoperative teaching about surgery was "very helpful," and specifically 90% reported that the ERP educational handbook was useful. Patients who reported a poor perception of their overall mental health were more likely to rate their surgical experience less favorably (<8 on 1-10 scale; P = 0.01), as were patients who left the hospital with a Foley catheter (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Greater than 90% of women surveyed who rated undergoing inpatient pelvic reconstructive surgery positively perceived their surgical experience within the ERP. The majority of patients who had a positive perception of the perioperative experience found the preoperative patient education useful.

The American Urogynecologic Society Action Plan on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Developed by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.

ABSTRACT: The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) identified diversity, equity, and inclusion as the cornerstone of excellence in governance and operations. Although efforts to increase diversity of our membership have been ongoing for years, there had not previously been an adequate investment to ensure an inclusive climate that emphasizes equity across our volunteers and programs. In June 2020, the AUGS President, Dr Shawn Menefee, and Board of Directors called for a Presidential Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to study the current state of our society and make recommendations for future directions. The charge was intentionally broad. In review of the literature, there was little to inform the best means to proceed aside from administering climate surveys to gauge the current culture of inclusion and bias. The task force believed that the challenge was not only to describe the problem but also to articulate solutions. We ultimately moved to rewrite the Diversity and Inclusion and Code of Conduct Statements and develop an Action Plan that would accelerate the efforts of AUGS to foster inclusion and improve equity through the existing governance structure. In this document, we describe how the task force was organized and conducted the work to develop strategies that were aligned with the AUGS mission: "As the leader in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, AUGS drives excellence in care for women through education, research, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration."

Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women.

This review focuses on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of urinary incontinence (UI). UI is a common diagnosis that is encountered among women in their lifetime. Stress, urge (overactive bladder), and overflow are the most commonly encountered types of incontinence, but anatomic and neurologic causes are important to rule out. There are many treatment options available for the management of UI, and most patients will benefit from conservative strategies including weight loss, timed voiding, fluid intake reduction, pelvic floor strengthening exercises, and medications. For those who do not achieve adequate improvement with conservative measures, surgical intervention can provide good symptom relief.

Enhanced Recovery Program for Outpatient Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) are evidence-based perioperative interventions designed to reduce narcotic use, decrease hospital length of stay, decrease medical costs, and improve patient satisfaction. Given the increase in outpatient procedures in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, we sought to compare patient outcomes before and after implementation of an ERP for women undergoing outpatient pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective nonrandomized cohort quality improvement practice initiative. The ERP intervention group included consecutive patients (n = 66) undergoing elective outpatient pelvic reconstructive surgery from March 2016 to October 2016. Historical controls were consecutive patients (n = 124) who had undergone outpatient pelvic reconstructive surgery in the same period a year before ERP implementation. Our primary outcome was opioid use and postoperative pain scores. Secondary outcomes included procedure time, use of intravenous fluids, time to discharge, and total hospital cost. RESULTS: There was an observed reduction in opioid use between the ERP patients and historic controls as measured by intraoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and total MMEs, with no difference in postoperative pain scores or postoperative MME. In addition, reduction in length of procedure (P = 0.03), intraoperative intravenous fluids (P < 0.0001), and total hospital cost (P ≤ 0.01) was noted between the ERP patients and historic controls. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an outpatient ERP for female pelvic reconstructive surgery was associated with decreased intraoperative and total MMEs, decreased length of procedure, decreased administration of intravenous fluids, and decreased total hospital cost without changing postoperative pain scores.

Validation of the Simulated Vaginal Hysterectomy Trainer.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To establish construct validity of the simulated vaginal hysterectomy trainer (SimVaHT). DESIGN: A cross-sectional validation study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: A single academic medical center in the United States. SUBJECTS: Fourteen residents in obstetrics and gynecology (4 postgraduate year [PGY] 1, 4 PGY-2, 3 PGY-3 and 3 PGY-4). PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents were grouped to form the "junior level" cohort, whereas PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents comprised the "senior level" cohort. INTERVENTIONS: Each participant underwent surgical skill simulation by performing a simulated vaginal hysterectomy on a practical, inexpensive vaginal hysterectomy trainer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was resident surgical skill as assessed by the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale (GRS). All obstetrics and gynecology residents were videotaped performing a simulated vaginal hysterectomy on the SimVaHT. The tapes were reviewed independently by 2 blinded urogynecology experts, each of whom provided a GRS score. The primary outcome was overall GRS scores. The secondary outcome was time to complete the exercise. GRS scores were compared between junior- and senior-level residents. Senior-level residents scored significantly higher on the GRS overall compared with junior-level residents (p = .008). CONCLUSION: Construct validity was demonstrated for the SimVaHT. The SimVaHT is a practical and inexpensive tool that may improve resident vaginal surgical skills before their first case in the operating room.

Review of enhanced recovery programs in benign gynecologic surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) are evidence-based protocols designed to improve functional rehabilitation after surgery. ERPs have gained widespread acceptance in many surgical disciplines, and their use leads to significant improvements in patient outcomes while reducing hospital length of stay (LOS). There remains a paucity of data on the use of ERPs in benign gynecologic surgery. The purpose of this review was to evaluate current literature on the use of ERP concepts in benign gynecologic surgery. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane databases was conducted, cross-referencing search terms related to gynecologic surgery and ERP concepts. The search was limited to publications available in English. Studies published prior to 2000, and those involving gynecologic oncology, nonadult patients, and outpatient surgery were excluded. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the analysis. Due to heterogeneity of the included studies, no statistical pooling was possible and comparison between studies was limited to their respective themes. Primary study outcomes included LOS, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain management, patient satisfaction, and hospital costs. Five studies investigated ERPs, two evaluated measures to improve PONV, and four focused on unique aspects of pain management. Across the studies, ERPs that focused on the patients' basic symptoms and recovery were found to have equal, if not better, outcomes than standard practice. CONCLUSIONS: This integrative review supports the implementation of ERPs in benign gynecologic surgery. The results showed that the use of ERPs decreased LOS, improved pain scores, and reduced hospital costs, without increasing perioperative complications. We suggest additional randomized controlled trials of ERP concepts in benign gynecologic surgery to support their more widespread use and application.

Use of Ketorolac After Outpatient Urogynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Patient surveys highlight a prevalence of moderate to severe pain in the postanesthesia care unit. Multimodal analgesia has been promoted to improve this with fewer opioid-induced adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the opioid sparing and analgesic effect of postoperative intravenous (IV) ketorolac after outpatient transvaginal surgery. METHODS: Forty patients were enrolled in this institutional review board-approved, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, to receive either 30 mg of IV ketorolac or IV saline placebo postoperatively. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale at timed intervals. Narcotic pain medication was provided upon request. Narcotic use was reassessed by telephone 5 to 7 days postoperatively. Categorical characteristics were compared by χ. Continuous variables were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Twenty patients were randomized to each group. Groups were similar in age, health, and operative factors. There was no significant difference in mean pain scores at any interval. The ketorolac group had a total morphine equivalent consumption median of 7.5 mg versus 4.0 mg for placebo, which was not significant (P = 0.17). Total use of narcotic pills postoperatively was equivalent (median, 5). There was no difference in postoperative nausea. One Dindo grade II complication was reported in the ketorolac group of a postoperative pelvic hematoma requiring transfusion. DISCUSSION: Intravenous ketorolac administered after outpatient transvaginal surgery did not result in a reduction of pain scores or total morphine consumption. There was one Dindo grade II complication in the ketorolac group. Larger randomized control trials are needed to validate these findings.

Obesity and stress urinary incontinence in women: compromised continence mechanism or excess bladder pressure during cough?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We compared two hypotheses as to why obesity is associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI): (1) obesity increases demand on the continence system (e.g. higher cough pressure) and (2) obesity compromises urethral function and urethrovaginal support. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed using data from a case-control study of SUI in women. Measurements of urethrovaginal support (POP-Q point Aa, urethral axis), urethral function (maximal urethral closure pressure, MUCP), and measures of continence system demand (intravesical pressures at rest and during maximal cough) were analyzed. Cases and controls were divided into three body mass index (BMI) groups: normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2); overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2); and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Logistic regression models where created to investigate variables related to SUI for each BMI group. Structural equation modeling was used to test the direct and indirect relationships among BMI, SUI, maximal cough pressure, MUCP, and POP-Q point Aa. RESULTS: The study included 108 continent controls and 103 women with SUI. MUCP was the factor most strongly associated with SUI in all BMI groups. Maximal cough pressure was significantly associated with SUI in obese women (OR 3.191, 95% CI 1.326, 7.683; p < 0.01), but not in normal weight or overweight women. Path model analysis showed a significant relationship between BMI and SUI through maximal cough pressure (indirect effect, p = 0.038), but not through MUCP (indirect effect, p = 0.243) or POP-Q point Aa (indirect effect, p = 0.410). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the first hypothesis that obesity is associated with SUI because of increased intravesical pressure, which therefore increases demand on the continence mechanism.

Enhanced Recovery Implementation in Major Gynecologic Surgeries: Effect of Care Standardization.

OBJECTIVE: To examine implementing an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for women undergoing major gynecologic surgery at an academic institution and compare surgical outcomes before and after implementation. METHODS: Two ERAS protocols were developed: a full pathway using regional anesthesia for open procedures and a light pathway without regional anesthesia for vaginal and minimally invasive procedures. Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways included extensive preoperative counseling, carbohydrate loading and oral fluids before surgery, multimodal analgesia with avoidance of intravenous opioids, intraoperative goal-directed fluid resuscitation, and immediate postoperative feeding and ambulation. A before-and-after study design was used to compare clinical outcomes, costs, and patient satisfaction. Complications and risk-adjusted length of stay were drawn from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. RESULTS: On the ERAS full protocol, 136 patients were compared with 211 historical controls and the median length of stay was reduced (2.0 compared with 3.0 days; P=.007) despite an increase in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-predicted length of stay (2.5 compared with 2.0 days; P=.009). Reductions were seen in median intraoperative morphine equivalents (0.3 compared with 12.7 mg; P<.001), intraoperative (285 compared with 1,250 mL; P<.001) and total intravenous fluids (-917.5 compared with 1,410 mL; P<.001), immediate postoperative pain scores (3.7 compared with 5.0; P<.001), and total complications (21.3% compared with 40.2%; P=.004). On the ERAS light protocol, 249 patients were compared with 324 historical controls and demonstrated decreased intraoperative and postoperative morphine equivalents (0.0 compared with 13.0 mg; P<.001 and 15.0 compared with 23.6 mg; P<.001) and decreased intraoperative and overall net intravenous fluids (P<.001). Patient satisfaction scores showed a marked and significant improvement on focus questions regarding pain control, nurses keeping patients informed, and staff teamwork; 30-day total hospital costs were significantly decreased in both ERAS groups. CONCLUSION: Implementation of ERAS protocols in gynecologic surgery was associated with a substantial decrease in intravenous fluids and morphine administration coupled with reduction in length of stay for open procedures combined with improved patient satisfaction and decreased hospital costs.

Prevalence of positive screening test for cognitive impairment among elderly urogynecologic patients.

BACKGROUND: Impaired cognition has been correlated with adverse postoperative outcomes, such as an increased incidence of delirium, a longer length of hospital stay, and higher 6 month mortality. The incidence of cognitive impairment in the elderly is high. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 8 adults aged 60 years and older deal with memory loss and confusion, and less than 20% inform their health care providers. Most studies in the elderly or cognitively impaired have been conducted at Veterans Administration hospitals, in which the majority of patients are male. As the female patient population ages, it is increasingly important to describe the prevalence of cognitive impairment in this specific population as well as identify and manage risk factors for cognitive decline in the ambulatory and perioperative setting. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of positive screening for cognitive impairment in a urogynecology ambulatory population and to establish the feasibility of using standardized, validated screening questionnaires in a tertiary care setting. STUDY DESIGN: After institutional review board approval, all English-speaking patients 65 years old or older presenting to our ambulatory urogynecology clinic were invited to participate. Cognitive impairment was assessed using both the validated Mini-Cog test and the Eight-Item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia screen for mild dementia. A Mini-Cog score <3 suggests cognitive impairment, whereas an Eight-Item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia score of ≥2 discriminates dementia from normal cognition. Because of the association of depression and cognition in the elderly, the Geriatric Depression Scale (short form of 15 items) was administered, with a score >5 suggesting depression. Demographic and medical history were abstracted from the medical record. RESULTS: A total of 371 subjects were asked to participate (39 were excluded and 37 declined); 295 subjects (79.5%) were included in the study. Mean subject age was 74.5 years, and 96.6% were white, with an average of 4.1 chronic medical comorbidities. Cognitive impairment was identified in all age groups per the Mini-Cog as follows: 65-74 years, 5.3%; 75-84 years, 13.7%; and 85 years and older, 30%. There was a significant difference in the positive screen for cognitive impairment between ages 65-74 vs >75 (P ≤ .001). According to the Eight-Item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia, all 3 age groups perceived themselves to have early cognitive changes: 65-74 years, 25.9%; 75-84 years, 31.9%; and 85 years and older, 40% (P = .231). The most commonly identified areas of impairment were having daily problems with thinking and memory (62%), problems with judgment (52%), and trouble learning new tools or gadgets (44%). There was no difference in the number of patients who screened positive for depression across age groups: 65-74 years, 5.9%; 75-84 years, 6.3%; and 85 years and older, 10% (P = .697). CONCLUSION: In our study population positive screening for cognitive impairment, as measured by validated questionnaires, was prevalent among women aged >75 years. Screening for potential cognitive impairment in an ambulatory urogynecology population is feasible and useful in clinical practice. Our subjects were interested in cognitive screening because a third of them self-reported early cognitive changes. These tools are effective in screening for previously unrecognized impaired cognition, a definitive diagnosis, and hence treatment requires additional evaluation. Future studies could evaluate which screening tools for cognitive impairment would be most helpful in assessing patients prior to surgery in an effort to further decrease perioperative morbidity in elderly woman.

Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma: an incidental finding at the time of prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Background. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) is a precursor lesion for high-grade pelvic serous carcinoma. The incidence of STIC is estimated to occur in 0.6% to 6% of women who are BRCA positive or have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Case. A 56-year-old woman underwent robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy, rectocele repair, and concurrent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for recurrent stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse and reported family history of ovarian cancer. Histopathologic examination of her left fallopian tube revealed STIC. Conclusion. We report this rare occurrence of STIC in a patient undergoing surgery primarily for pelvic organ prolapse and having a family history of ovarian cancer. Possible management options include observation with annual physical exam and CA-125, surgical staging, or empiric chemotherapy. However, due to the lack of consensus regarding management options, referral to a gynecologic oncologist is recommended.

Referral patterns for pelvic floor surgical prosthesis complications: from symptom onset and initial treatments to evaluation at a tertiary care center.

UNLABELLED: Although complications of prosthesis products used for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence have been extensively characterized, little is known about their referral patterns and the time lapse from symptom onset to evaluation and treatment. The aim of our study was to retrospectively describe the patterns and timing of referral of prosthesis-related complications and initial prereferral treatments. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients referred to the University of Virginia from January 2002 to October 2012 with prosthesis complications related to previously placed devices for pelvic floor disorders. RESULTS: We identified 55 prosthesis-related complications in 51 patients. The types of prostheses used included mesh or permanent suture for pelvic organ prolapse (vaginal prolapse, n = 24), tapes for stress urinary incontinence (midurethral, n = 21), and materials for abdominal sacrocolpopexies and vaginal vault suspensions (intraperitoneal, n = 10). Original surgeons, who most frequently were general obstetric/gynecology providers, were the referring physicians for only 3.6% of the time. Vaginal and midurethral prosthesis complications occurred most commonly in the early postoperative period, whereas intraperitoneal were more commonly delayed. Patients reported to have experienced adverse symptoms on average from several months up to years while receiving conservative therapies by secondary providers and/or surgical treatments with their original surgeon before referral to our institution. CONCLUSIONS: Referral of prosthesis-related complications is often delayed, and most cases required evaluation by a secondary provider other than the original surgeon before a referral was initiated. Timing of symptom onset was dependent on the prosthesis type with up to 1 in 3 having a late presentation that may in part be delayed by prereferral treatments. Further education of original surgeons, primary care providers, and patients on the presentation, timing, and outcomes of potential prosthesis-related complications is needed to facilitate earlier management at tertiary care centers.

Treatment strategies for pelvic organ prolapse: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To compare the relative cost effectiveness of treatment decision alternatives for post-hysterectomy pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: A Markov decision analysis model was used to assess and compare the relative cost effectiveness of expectant management, use of a pessary, and surgery for obtaining months of quality-adjusted life over 1 year. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether the results depended on specific estimates of patient utilities for pessary use, probabilities for complications and other events, and estimated costs. RESULTS: Only two treatment alternatives were found to be efficient choices: initial pessary use and vaginal reconstructive surgery (VRS). Pessary use (including patients that eventually transitioned to surgery) achieved 10.4 quality-adjusted months, at a cost of $10,000 per patient, while VRS obtained 11.4 quality-adjusted months, at $15,000 per patient. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that these baseline results depended on several key estimates in the model. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis indicates that pessary use and VRS are the most cost-effective treatment alternatives for treating post-hysterectomy vaginal prolapse. Additional research is needed to standardize POP outcomes and complications, so that healthcare providers can best utilize cost information in balancing the risks and benefits of their treatment decisions.

Multicenter Urogynecology Study on Education: Medical Student Educational Experiences and Knowledge Outcomes During the OBGYN Clerkship.

OBJECTIVE: : The objective of this study was to describe self-assessed student knowledge of female pelvic medicine (FPM) during the OBGYN clerkship. METHODS: : Students at 6 sites scored their knowledge of 12 FPM topics and 4 procedures both before and after their clerkship. Analysis included Wilcoxon tests, Spearman correlation, and univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: : A total of 323 students completed paired surveys. Mean knowledge scores (KSs) across FPM topics (1.40 ± 0.12; 95% confidence interval) and procedures (0.77 ± 0.08) increased significantly, with larger increases for topics (P < 0.001). Topic and procedure KSs were correlated (rs = 0.32, P < 0.0001). Mean KSs were significantly related to number and number of types of learning experiences (r = 0.13 and 0.08, both P < 0.001). Learning through text and inpatient encounters had independent effects on KS change in multivariate analysis (P = 0.01 and 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: : Students reported increased knowledge although less for procedures than for topics. Text and inpatient learning independently increased students' self-assessed change in knowledge.

The multicenter urogynecology study on education: associations between educational outcomes and clerkship center characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: : The objective of the study was to examine the effect of center characteristics on educational experiences and female pelvic medicine knowledge changes in third-year students at 6 medical schools. METHODS: : In this secondary analysis of data acquired during a prospective, multicenter study conducted from May 2008 through June 2009, preclerkship and postclerkship third-year medical students scored their knowledge of 12 female pelvic medicine topics and 4 office procedures (knowledge scores [KSs]). Postclerkship, students also reported the number and type of learning experiences they had encountered. Participating investigators provided data on length of clerkship, number of residents, number of fellowship-trained urogynecologists, presence of a fellowship program, clerkship grading system type, presence of a urogynecology clerkship rotation, and presence of a urogynecology lecture. Analyses used Wilcoxon tests/Spearman correlation, with an α = 0.05. RESULTS: : Paired preclerkship and postclerkship survey data were available for 323 students. Increased numbers of learning experiences were positively associated with number of clerkship weeks (rs = 0.22, P < 0.001), presence of a urogynecology rotation (P = 0.03), and urogynecology lecture (P < 0.001). Knowledge scores were positively associated with the number of fellowship-trained urogynecology faculty (rs = 0.17, P = 0.002) and grading system (letter grades > pass/fail) (P < 0.001). Knowledge scores were negatively associated with increasing numbers of residents (rs = -0.29, P < 0.001) and presence of a urogynecology fellowship program (P < 0.001). The center characteristics of fellowship program and number of residents were highly correlated (rs = 0.74, P < 0.001); thus, multivariate modeling was not performed. CONCLUSIONS: : The presence of fellowship-trained faculty, urogynecology rotation, longer duration of clerkship, and urogynecology lecture were positively correlated with higher subjective KSs. The inverse association of KS with increased resident number and presence of fellowship was an unexpected finding.

Racial differences in bother for women with urinary incontinence in the Establishing the Prevalence of Incontinence (EPI) study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare differences in degree of bother in black and white women with urinary incontinence (UI). STUDY DESIGN: A population-based study was conducted in black and white women in Michigan. Participants completed an interview and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire short form (IIQ-7). Statistical analysis included 2-way analysis of variance for post hoc comparisons of IIQ-7 scores between races at different frequencies, amounts, and types of UI. RESULTS: Black women with moderate UI had significantly higher IIQ-7 scores than white women (31.4 +/- 3.5 vs 23.7 +/- 1.9; P = .03). Overall, black women with urge incontinence had higher scores than white women (30.5 +/- 4.0 vs 21.0 +/- 3.0; P = .05). After adjustment for severity, black women with urge and mixed incontinence tended to be more bothered (P = .06). CONCLUSION: With moderate UI (not mild or severe), black women are more bothered than white women. At this discriminatory level of UI severity, racial differences are important, because they may dictate care-seeking behavior.

Patient-centered treatment goals for pelvic floor disorders: association with quality-of-life and patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the relationship of patient-centered goal achievement in pelvic floor disorder (PFD) treatment to PFD-specific quality-of-life (QOL), depression, health status, and patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety women with PFD identified up to 5 goals for treatment and reported their level of goal attainment (-2 to +2) at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months; completed the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Quality-of-Life Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Short Form-12 Health Survey; and indicated their satisfaction with treatment. RESULTS: Twelve-month mean goal attainment was moderately correlated with PFD-specific measures of QOL (r range, -0.40 to 0.55; P < .05) but less strongly with depression and general health status (r range, -0.27 to 0.28). Twelve-month goal attainment differed significantly among those who were completely satisfied (1.6 +/- 0.5), very satisfied (1.2 +/- 0.6), satisfied (0.4-1.0), or not satisfied (-0.5 +/- 0.9; F = 24.2; P < .01). Earlier follow-up results were similar. CONCLUSION: PFD treatment goal attainment is associated with improved condition-specific QOL and patient satisfaction.

Distribution of pelvic organ support measures in a population-based sample of middle-aged, community-dwelling African American and white women in southeastern Michigan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the distribution of pelvic support among a population-based sample of middle-aged community-dwelling women, as defined by pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) and study factors that might influence POP-Q measurements. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis of a population-based study of community-dwelling, African American and white women aged 35-64 years from southeastern Michigan. Three hundred ninety-four women consented to physical examination using the POP-Q. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. Estimates were weighted to reflect probability and nonresponse characteristics of the sample to increase generalizability of the findings. RESULTS: The following values were the mean values for POP-Q points: Aa and Ba = -1.2 cm, C = -6.5 cm (intact uterus), C = -6.9 cm (hysterectomy), and Ap and Bp = -1.8 cm. The POP-Q stages were organized in the following manner: stage 0, 8.8%; stage I, 21.4%; stage II, 67.7%; stage III, 2.1%. Increasing vaginal parity was associated with increasing descent of the anterior, apical, and posterior vaginal wall (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this population-based study of women from southeastern Michigan, 90% of the women had anterior and posterior vaginal wall support that was above or extended to the hymen. Increasing vaginal parity was associated with increasing descent of the anterior, posterior, and vaginal apex.