Knowledge and Skills in the Assessment and Management of Sexual Problems by Different Physicians in a University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: We analyze the knowledge of different medical specialists in relation to knowledge of the sexual dimension of their patients, as well as the attitudes and skills to listen and treat it. Design and Method: We used a validated FSP questionnaire: F= frequency with which the subject is confronted with the problem. S = given seriousness for the professional exercises. P = problems of skills to bring a response in terms of theoretical knowledge’s. Survey done with 62 different medical specialists: 19 gynecologists, 15 general practitioners, 13 urologists, 11 general surgeons and 4 medical oncologists. Comparisons of means were performed with Student t test. Results: (number = mean) (A) Frequency: a) personal awareness: higher in urologists (1.77), medical oncologists (1.5) and gynecologists (1.33) than in general surgeons (0.64)(p=0.001); b)professional confrontation with the sexual complaint: usual for urologists and general practitioners, less in medical oncologists and gynecologists and rarely in general surgeons (p=0.00); Urologists have a more proactive attitude (1.54) than gynecologists (1.05) and general surgeons (0.64) (p=0.03). (B) Seriousness: to be listening and reactive to sexual demand is more important for urologists than the remaining specialists. (C) Problems: theoretical knowledge: good in urologists (1.54) than the other specialists (gynecologists 1.0) (p=0.026). Conclusions: Urologists believe to have greater proactive and good knowledge to treat sexual problems of their patients compared to other physicians. It should encourage and conduct continuing education specific to different medical specialists, in order to have a proactive and sufficient knowledge about the sexual quality of life of the patients.