Knowledge and Practices Regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Physicians in Europe, North America, and Internationally: An Online Questionnaire-Based Study

Melanie Gibson-Helm; Anuja Dokras; Helle Karro; Terhi Piltonen; Helena J. Teede

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1667155

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Reprod Med 2018; 36(01): 019-027
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1667155

Review Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Physicians in Europe, North America, and Internationally: An Online Questionnaire-Based Study

Melanie Gibson-Helm

¹Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

,

Anuja Dokras

²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

,

Helle Karro

³Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia

,

Terhi Piltonen

⁴Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland

,

Helena J. Teede

¹Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

⁵Diabetes and Endocrinology Units, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background To inform knowledge translation by identifying evidence–practice gaps in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) care and variations between disciplines and across world regions via an online, anonymous, devised questionnaire distributed via professional societies and completed by 1,495 physicians (2015–2016).

Methods Multivariable logistic regression analyses generated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between outcome measures and world region, specialty, annual patients with PCOS, age, and sex.

Results Features corresponding to Rotterdam diagnostic criteria were well recognized (e.g., irregular menstrual cycles by 99% of physicians), but psychological implications were recognized only by 29 to 64%. Reproductive endocrinologists were more likely to use Rotterdam diagnostic criteria (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 2.3–4.3; p < 0.007) than obstetrician-gynecologists. Reproductive (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.5–2.8; p < 0.007) and medical endocrinologists (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7–5.7; p < 0.007) were more likely to recommend lifestyle management than obstetrician-gynecologists. Physicians in Europe (OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5–6.1; p < 0.007) and other regions (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 2.8–5.9; p < 0.007) were more likely to use Rotterdam diagnostic criteria than physicians in North America.

Conclusion Knowledge gaps in PCOS care to be addressed internationally include physician awareness of the breadth of PCOS features, application of diagnostic criteria, and recommending lifestyle management effectively.

Keywords

polycystic ovary syndrome - professional practice gaps - professional education - endocrinologists - gynecologists

Full Text

References

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material