Patients' pelvic goals change after initial urogynecologic consultation.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of initial urogynecologic consultation on the number and type of patient goals. Charts of women who underwent initial urogynecology consultation were reviewed. Patient goals were collected before and after their consultation. Investigators categorized goals into 6 categories. Category and number of goals were compared before and after their first visit. Predictors of change and clinical associations were assessed. Sixty-three women with a mean age of 53 (range, 18-83) years reported a total number of 313 goals. The number of patients' postconsultation goals was higher than the number of preconsultation goals, (median of 3 +/- 1.2 vs 2 +/- 1.2, respectively; P < .003). Women were less likely to report" symptom" and "information-seeking" goals (P < .002 and P < .03, respectively) but more likely to report treatment goals after consultation (P < .001). Urogynecologic consultation affects patients' goals. It is important to reassess goals following initial consultation.