Referral patterns for women with gynaecological symptoms: a national survey of gynaecologists

Poster


Ramanathan, S. A., Baratiny, G. Y., Stocks, N. P. and Searles, A. M.. 2011. "Referral patterns for women with gynaecological symptoms: a national survey of gynaecologists." 38th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2011). Perth, Australia 15 - 17 Nov 2011 United Kingdom.
Paper/Presentation Title

Referral patterns for women with gynaecological symptoms: a national survey of gynaecologists

Presentation TypePoster
AuthorsRamanathan, S. A. (Author), Baratiny, G. Y. (Author), Stocks, N. P. (Author) and Searles, A. M. (Author)
Journal or Proceedings TitleAsia Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology
Journal Citation7 (4 (Supplement)), p. 126
Article Number231
Number of Pages1
Year2011
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN1743-7555
1743-7563
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-7563.2011.01472.x
Conference/Event38th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2011)
Event Details
38th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2011)
Event Date
15 to end of 17 Nov 2011
Event Location
Perth, Australia
Abstract

Aim: To describe if and to whom gynaecologists refer women with symptoms attributable to endometrial, ovarian and vulval cancer and to identify patient and clinician factors predictive of referral.

Method: In a randomised incomplete block design, gynaecologists were presented with a randomised allocation of 12 vignettes, each containing a hypothetical scenario about a patient with gynaecological symptoms. Logistic
regression was used to estimate the odds of referrals being associated with study factors.

Results: Of the eligible 520 gynaecologists, 404 (77%) completed the vignettes online or returned their response by mail. Overall, 76% of endometrial vignettes, 75% of ovarian vignettes and 70% of vulval vignettes which had a high probability of cancer were referred; primarily to gynaecological oncologists (94%). For endometrial cancer, the two best predictors of referral were biopsy fi ndings of cancer (OR:13.8 95%CI 8.0–24.0) and the gender of the clinician (OR for female clinicians: 3.0 95%CI 1.8–5.2).
For ovarian cancer it was an elevated CA125 result (OR:12.2 95%CI 9.3–16.1) and ultrasound fi ndings of a solid cyst (OR:4.5 95%CI 3.6–5.7). For vulval cancer it was biopsy fi ndings of cancer (OR:232.0 95%CI 116.1–463.6) and presence of an ulcer (OR:2.0 95%CI 1.3–3.3). Private gynaecological
oncologist services could be accessed by 95% of metropolitan and 90% of rural gynaecologists; with 92% of these services associated with a cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT). Public gynaecological oncologist services
could be accessed by 94% of metropolitan and 97% of rural gynaecologists; with 97% associated with a MDT.

Conclusion: The results suggest variation in referral practices for women with gynaecological symptoms amongst gynaecologists and this variation does not appear to be associated with the presence or absence of Australian
evidence-based guidelines. There is a need for further research into understanding the basis of these differences including a review of the existing guidelines for ovarian cancer.

Keywordsgynaecologists; referrals; women's health; gynaecological symptoms
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020429999. Other health sciences not elsewhere classified
420319. Primary health care
Public Notes

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Newcastle
University of Adelaide
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q34y9/referral-patterns-for-women-with-gynaecological-symptoms-a-national-survey-of-gynaecologists

  • 1608
    total views
  • 9
    total downloads
  • 2
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Perceptions, concerns and reported behaviours in response to the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australian communities
Argus, Geoff, Walker, Clara, Baratiny, Genevieve, Cotter, Nicola and Fallon, Tony. 2022. "Perceptions, concerns and reported behaviours in response to the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australian communities." Australian Journal of Rural Health. 30 (3), pp. 352-362. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12842
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), lower bowel symptoms and sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment
Baratiny, G. and Chiarelli, P.. 2011. "Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), lower bowel symptoms and sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment." 38th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2011). Perth, Australia 15 - 17 Nov 2011 United Kingdom.
How Australian general practitioners engage in discussions about alcohol with their patients: a cross-sectional study
Miller, Emma R., Ramsey, Imogen J., Tran, Ly Thi, Tsourtos, George, Baratiny, Genevieve, Manocha, Ramesh and Olver, Ian N. 2016. "How Australian general practitioners engage in discussions about alcohol with their patients: a cross-sectional study." BMJ Open. 6 (12), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013921
Message on a bottle: are alcohol warning labels about cancer appropriate?
Miller, Emma R., Ramsey, Imogen J., Baratiny, Genevieve Y. and Olver, Ian N.. 2016. "Message on a bottle: are alcohol warning labels about cancer appropriate?" BMC Public Health. 16 (139), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-2812-8
Colorectal cancer screening in rural and remote areas: analysis of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data for South Australia
Martini, A., Javanparast, S., Ward, P. R., Baratiny, G., Gill, T., Cole, S., Tsourtos, G., Aylward, P., Jiwa, M., Misan, G., Wilson, C. and Young, G. P.. 2011. "Colorectal cancer screening in rural and remote areas: analysis of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data for South Australia." Rural and Remote Health. 11 (2), pp. 1-11.
General practitioner referral patterns for women with gynaecological symptoms: a randomised incomplete block study design
Ramanathan, Shanthi A., Baratiny, Genevieve, Stocks, Nigel P., Searles, Andrew M. and Redford, Russell J.. 2011. "General practitioner referral patterns for women with gynaecological symptoms: a randomised incomplete block study design." Medical Journal of Australia. 195 (10), pp. 602-606. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja10.10867
Indigenous cultural competency training: a survey of oncology clinicians
Hanks, E., Francis, J., Elston, J. and Baratiny, G.. 2008. "Indigenous cultural competency training: a survey of oncology clinicians." 2008 Clinical Oncological Society of Australia and the International Association of Cancer Registries Joint Scientific Meeting, held in conjunction with the Australian and New Zealand Gastro-Oesophageal Surgery Association. Sydney, Australia 18 - 20 Nov 2008 United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-7563.2008.00201_1
Lower urinary tract symptoms after prostate cancer treatment
Baratiny, Genevieve and Chiarelli, Pauline. 2011. "Lower urinary tract symptoms after prostate cancer treatment." 41st Annual Meeting of the International Continence Society Conference (ICS 2011). Glasgow, United Kingdom 29 Aug - 02 Sep 2011 United States.
Collecting cancer risk factor data from hospital outpatients: use of touch-screen computers
Baratiny, Genevieve Y., Campbell, Elizabeth M., Sanson-Fisher, Rob W., Graham, June and Cockburn, Jill. 2000. "Collecting cancer risk factor data from hospital outpatients: use of touch-screen computers." Cancer Detection and Prevention. 24 (6), pp. 501-507.
Cancer multidisciplinary team meetings in a rural and metropolitan site: investigating the facilitators and understanding the challenges
Baratiny, G., Salveron, M. and Robinson, G.. 2009. "Cancer multidisciplinary team meetings in a rural and metropolitan site: investigating the facilitators and understanding the challenges." 36th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2009). Gold Coast, Australia 17 - 19 Nov 2009 United Kingdom.
Cancer multidisciplinary team meetings in rural and metropolitan South Australia: an evaluation of structure and practice
Baratiny, G. and Doherty, T.. 2009. "Cancer multidisciplinary team meetings in rural and metropolitan South Australia: an evaluation of structure and practice." 36th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2009). Gold Coast, Australia 17 - 19 Nov 2009 United Kingdom.
Evaluation of multidisciplinary cancer management in a regional South Australian centre: are multidisciplinary team recommendations being implemented?
Baratiny, G. and Doherty, T.. 2009. "Evaluation of multidisciplinary cancer management in a regional South Australian centre: are multidisciplinary team recommendations being implemented?" 36th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2009). Gold Coast, Australia 17 - 19 Nov 2009 United Kingdom.
Symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment
Baratiny, G. and Chiarelli, P.. 2010. "Symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment." 37th COSA Annual Scientific Meeting (COSA 2010). Melbourne, Australia 09 - 11 Nov 2010 United Kingdom.
Hospital patients receptive to quit smoking advice
Baratiny, Genevieve, Campbell, Elizabeth, Sanson-Fisher, Rob and Cockburn, Jill. 2003. "Hospital patients receptive to quit smoking advice." Health Promotion Journal of Australia. 14 (1), pp. 69-69. https://doi.org/10.1071/HE03069
How equitable are colorectal cancer screening programs which include FOBTs? A review of qualitative and quantitative studies
Javanparast, Sara, Ward, Paul, Young, Graeme, Wilson, Carlene, Carter, Stacy, Misan, Gary, Cole, Stephen, Jiwa, Moyez, Tsourtos, George, Martini, Angelita, Gill, Tiffany, Baratiny, Genevieve and Ah Matt, Michelle. 2010. "How equitable are colorectal cancer screening programs which include FOBTs? A review of qualitative and quantitative studies." Preventive Medicine. 50 (4), pp. 165-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2010.02.003
A cross-sectional analysis of participation in National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in Adelaide by age, gender and geographical location of residence
Javanparast, Sara, Ward, Paul R., Cole, Stephen, Gill, Tiffany, Ah Matt, Michelle, Aylward, Paul, Baratiny, Genevieve, Jiwa, Moyez, Martini, Angelita, Misan, Gary, Tsourtos, George, Wilson, Carlene and Young, Graeme. 2010. "A cross-sectional analysis of participation in National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in Adelaide by age, gender and geographical location of residence." Australasian Medical Journal. 1 (1), pp. 141-146. https://doi.org/10.4066/AMJ.2010.198
Equity of colorectal cancer screening: cross-sectional analysis of National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data for South Australia
Ward, Paul R., Javanparast, Sara, Ah Matt, Michelle, Martini, Angelita, Tsourtos, George, Cole, Stephen, Gill, Tiffany, Aylward, Paul, Baratiny, Genevieve, Jiwa, Moyez, Misan, Gary, Wilson, Carlene and Young, Graeme. 2011. "Equity of colorectal cancer screening: cross-sectional analysis of National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data for South Australia." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 35 (1), pp. 61-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00637.x
Screening for colorectal cancer in remote, rural and metropolitan South Australia: analysis of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data
Martini, Angelita, Javanparast, Sara, Ward, Paul R., Cole, Stephen, Alyward, Paul, Baratiny, Genevieve, Gill, Tiffany, Tsourtos, George, Misan, Gary, Wilson, Carlene and Young, Graeme. 2011. "Screening for colorectal cancer in remote, rural and metropolitan South Australia: analysis of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program data." Public Health Bulletin South Australia. 8 (1), pp. 49-55.