Tiffanie Y Tam1, Austin M Hill2, Abigail Shatkin-Margolis3, Rachel N Pauls2. 1. Department of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, TriHealth, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA - Tiffanie_Tam@TriHealth.com. 2. Department of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, TriHealth, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 3. Department of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Dublin, CA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The number of male medical students selecting Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) has declined in recent years. However, it is unclear whether patients prioritize a female provider. The aim of the study was to assess gender preferences amongst female patients regarding their OBGYN and other medical providers. A secondary aim was to evaluate qualities that are important to female patients regarding their OBGYN. METHODS: This was a USA cross-sectional survey using an internet-based provider (SurveyMonkey®) in January 2019. A 19-item questionnaire was distributed to females aged 18-80. The survey queried demographics, gender preferences for medical providers and important qualities in selecting their OBGYN. A goal of 1000 responses was determined for the study. RESULTS: One thousand and fifteen women completed the entire survey. Sixty-six percent of respondents (N.=667) preferred a female OBGYN, while 8% (N.=87) preferred male, 25% (N.=261) no preference. The majority (51%) voiced no gender preference regarding other providers (N.=521). When asked to rank the 3 most important qualities in selecting their OBGYN, experience (57%), knowledge (51%), reputation (35%) and personality (34%) were most frequently chosen amongst the top 3. Gender was listed among the 3 important qualities by only 8% (N.=88). Women who identified as single, <45 years of age, and nulliparous had a higher likelihood of preferring a female OBGYN (P<0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of women reported a female preference when selecting an OBGYN. However, when compared to other qualities, it is deemed less important. Male medical students considering OBGYN should be reassured by this information.
BACKGROUND: The number of male medical students selecting Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) has declined in recent years. However, it is unclear whether patients prioritize a female provider. The aim of the study was to assess gender preferences amongst female patients regarding their OBGYN and other medical providers. A secondary aim was to evaluate qualities that are important to female patients regarding their OBGYN. METHODS: This was a USA cross-sectional survey using an internet-based provider (SurveyMonkey®) in January 2019. A 19-item questionnaire was distributed to females aged 18-80. The survey queried demographics, gender preferences for medical providers and important qualities in selecting their OBGYN. A goal of 1000 responses was determined for the study. RESULTS: One thousand and fifteen women completed the entire survey. Sixty-six percent of respondents (N.=667) preferred a female OBGYN, while 8% (N.=87) preferred male, 25% (N.=261) no preference. The majority (51%) voiced no gender preference regarding other providers (N.=521). When asked to rank the 3 most important qualities in selecting their OBGYN, experience (57%), knowledge (51%), reputation (35%) and personality (34%) were most frequently chosen amongst the top 3. Gender was listed among the 3 important qualities by only 8% (N.=88). Women who identified as single, <45 years of age, and nulliparous had a higher likelihood of preferring a female OBGYN (P<0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of women reported a female preference when selecting an OBGYN. However, when compared to other qualities, it is deemed less important. Male medical students considering OBGYN should be reassured by this information.
Authors: Emily Gard Marshall; Mylaine Breton; Michael Green; Lynn Edwards; Caitlyn Ayn; Mélanie Ann Smithman; Shannon Ryan Carson; Rachelle Ashcroft; Imaan Bayoumi; Frederick Burge; Véronique Deslauriers; Beverley Lawson; Maria Mathews; Charmaine McPherson; Lauren R Moritz; Sue Nesto; David Stock; Sabrina T Wong; Melissa Andrew Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-03-07 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Adi Finkelstein; Elisheva Leiter; Tanya Reinfeld; Ora Levy; Sara Hoss; Lori Sloman; Donna R Zwas Journal: Patient Prefer Adherence Date: 2022-07-25 Impact factor: 2.314