An Assessment of Knowledge and Comfort Surrounding Pessary Use Among US Ob/Gyn Residents

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding residents' attitudes towards and comfort with pessary use. METHODS: A 31-item anonymous electronic survey (Qualtrics 2015, Provo, Utah) regarding attitudes towards, education, and comfort with pessaries was distributed to all U.S. Ob/Gyn residents. Surveys completed between March 1 and June 15, 2015 were used. Participants answered questions regarding pessary education and comfort with pessary-use using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was used with P. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-eight completed surveys were returned (response rate 40%). Mean age was 29.5 (±0.12) years. Participants were evenly distributed among PGY levels (PGY1-25%, PGY2-28%, PGY3-25%, PGY4-22%). Eighty-three percent reported having a dedicated urogynecology rotation, and 72% had a urogynecology fellowship in the department. Compared with junior residents (PGY-1/2), senior residents (PGY-3/4) reported significantly more experience in pessary fitting (77% versus 32%), current feelings of adequate preparation (72% versus 47%), and comfort with pessary management now (72% versus 25%) and anticipated after graduation (70% versus 67%). Having a dedicated urogynecology rotation and outpatient urogynecology experience played a significant role in this comfort, as did having formal didactics specific to pessary fitting and management (P<.001). Having a urogynecology fellowship and receiving didactics only on prolapse and incontinence did not impact comfort and preparation. DISCUSSION: Formal rotations with outpatient experience specific to urogynecology and pessary-focused didactics may improve resident comfort with incorporating pessary use into their practice.