Obstetrical & gynecological survey
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Obstet Gynecol Surv · Sep 2011
ReviewEthical concerns and career satisfaction in obstetrics and gynecology: a review of recent findings from the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network.
Obstetricians-gynecologists (ob-gyns) are frequently confronted with situations that have ethical implications (e.g., whether to accept gifts or samples from drug companies or disclosing medical errors to patients). Additionally, various factors, including specific job-related tasks, costs, and benefits, may impact ob-gyns' career satisfaction. Ethical concerns and career satisfaction can play a role in the quality of women's health care. This article summarizes the studies published between 2005 and 2009 by the Research Department of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which encompass ethical concerns regarding interactions with pharmaceutical representatives and patient safety/medical error reporting, as well as ob-gyn career satisfaction. Additionally, a brief discussion regarding ethical concerns in the ob-gyn field, in general, highlights key topics for the last 30 years. Ethical dilemmas continue to be of concern for ob-gyns. Familiarity with guidelines on appropriate interactions with industry is associated with lower percentages of potentially problematic relationships with pharmaceutical industries. Physicians report that the expense of patient safety initiatives is one of the top barriers for improving patient safety, followed by fear of liability. Overall, respondents reported being satisfied with their careers. However, half of the respondents reported that they were extremely concerned about the impact of professional liability costs on the duration of their careers. Increased familiarity with guidelines may lead to a decreased ob-gyn reliance on pharmaceutical representatives and free samples, whereas specific and practical tools may help them implement patient safety techniques. The easing of malpractice insurance and threat of litigation may enhance career satisfaction among ob-gyns. This article will discuss related findings in recent years. ⋯ After the completing the CME activity, physicians should be better able to analyze how interactions with pharmaceutical industry may pose ethical dilemmas, examine current barriers to implementing patient safety initiatives, and evaluate the factors that influence career satisfaction among obstetrician-gynecologists.
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Obstet Gynecol Surv · May 2011
ReviewVulvodynia interventions--systematic review and evidence grading.
State of the art guidance exists for management of vulvodynia, but the scientific basis for interventions has not been well described. Although there are many interventional therapies, and their use is increasing, there is also uncertainty or controversy about their efficacy. ⋯ After completion of this educational activity, the obstetrician/gynecologist should be better able to identify potential causes of vulvar pain to facilitate diagnosis of vulvodynia and vestibulodynia, distinguish between the symptoms of localized, provoked vulvodynia and generalized unprovoked vulvodynia to select the most appropriate therapies, evaluate the efficacy of surgical and nonsurgical interventions for the treatment of generalized unprovoked and localized, provoked vulvodynia. In addition, assess the benefits and risks of interventional therapies for vulvodynia and vestibulodynia to improve patient care.
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Obstet Gynecol Surv · May 2011
ReviewObstetrician-gynecologists and women's mental health: findings of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network 2005-2009.
Many mental illnesses are more prevalent in women than men (e.g., depression). Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) are frequent medical contacts for women, and so can play an important role in screening for mental illness. ⋯ After completion of this educational activity, the obstetrician/gynecologists should be better able to evaluate their role relative to diagnosing and treating mental illness; state the negative consequences and signs of major depressive disorder, anxiety, eating disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women; examine their peers' attitudes, referral patterns, and preferred treatment methods for mental disorders; and prevent negative health consequences for women and babies resulting from mental illnesses.
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Obstet Gynecol Surv · Mar 2011
Review Case ReportsPeripartum pubic symphysis separation: a case report and review of the literature.
Although peripartum pubic symphysis diastasis is an uncommon complication of delivery, it can lead to considerable and sometimes long-term disability. Although the initial clinical examination and diagnostic workup for this complication are relatively straightforward, the best treatment for a peripartum pubic symphysis diastasis is less clear. Historically, nearly all women were treated conservatively with bed rest and pelvic binders. However, more recent case reports have described more invasive orthopedic procedures being used to help speedy recovery. In this study, we present a case of a 22-year-old primigravida who had a severe pubic symphysis separation after a vaginal delivery complicated by a shoulder dystocia. We also reviewed the literature on this topic over the past 20 years to gain a better understanding of the clinical factors surrounding peripartum pubic symphysis separation and the treatment option available to women with this complication. ⋯ After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to identify the clinical factors that associated with peripartum pubic symphysis separation; perform a diagnostic workup when a peripartum pubic symphysis separation is suspected; distinguish the conservative and invasive orthopedic interventions available for the treatment of peripartum pubic symphysis separation; and show that the degree of patient disability after peripartum pubic symphysis separation varies greatly and no clinical factors or diagnostic studies effectively predict the course of patient recovery.
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Obstet Gynecol Surv · Nov 2010
ReviewScreening, diagnosis, and management of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy.
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common intrauterine infection and the leading infectious cause of sensorineural hearing loss and mental retardation. This article reviews the issues that relate to the diagnosis and management of this disease, detailing the points that led to the recent published guidelines by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. A MEDLINE/Cochrane search of CMV infection, pregnancy, and prenatal diagnosis found 195 studies between 1980 and 2010. Of these, we examined 59 relevant studies. The probability of intrauterine transmission following primary infection is 30% to 40%, but only 1% after secondary infection. About 10% to 15% of congenitally infected infants will have symptoms at birth, and 20% to 30% of them will die, whereas 5% to 15% of the asymptomatic infected neonates will develop sequelae later. Children with congenital CMV infection following first trimester infection are more likely to have central nervous system sequelae, whereas infection acquired in the third trimester has a high rate of intrauterine transmission but a favorable outcome. The prenatal diagnosis of fetal CMV infection should be based on amniocentesis performed 7 weeks after the presumed time of infection and after 21 weeks of gestation. Sonographic findings often imply poor prognosis, but their absence does not guarantee a normal outcome. The value of quantitative determination of CMV DNA in the amniotic fluid is not yet confirmed. The effectiveness of prenatal therapy for fetal CMV is not yet proven, although CMV-specific hyperimmune globulin may be beneficial. Routine serologic screening of pregnant women or newborns has never been recommended by any public health authority. ⋯ After completion of this educational activity, the obstetrician/gynecologist should be better able to evaluate the principles of prenatal diagnosis of congenital CMV infection so doctors will be familiar with the tests and procedures needed, in order to reach a diagnosis of congenital CMV; to assess the natural history and outcome of congenital CMV infection enabling obstetricians to counsel prenatally pregnant women with CMV; and to analyze the prognostic markers for fetal CMV, so managing physicians will be able to predict more accurately the outcomes of fetuses infected by CMV.