A survey of practices in infectious diseases by obstetrician-gynecologists

Abstract

To survey current practices among obstetricians and gynecologists concerning a wide range of infectious diseases to guide future efforts in continuing medical education. A survey questionnaire of multiple-choice questions was mailed to 2500 physicians, under age 65, randomly selected from the American Medical Association specialty list of obstetrician-gynecologists. The first 500 returns constituted the data set and were analyzed by computer. We found many clinical areas in which practice patterns were deemed appropriate, including antibiotic selection, universal screening for hepatitis B, and follow-up of urinary tract infection in pregnancy. In other areas, marked by controversy among "experts," practice patterns varied widely. These areas included management of premature rupture of the membranes and premature labor, and universal screening for group B streptococci. Areas in need of further continuing medical education efforts include management of perinatal viral infections and diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Although this survey indicated that practice patterns of American obstetricians and gynecologists are appropriate in many clinical areas relevant to infectious diseases, there are other clinical conditions requiring future efforts in continuing medical education.