Patient evaluation of gynaecological information provision and preferences

Abstract

AbstractAimTo evaluate gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional survey design was used.MethodsA total of 293 women accessing gynaecological services responded to the survey. Quantitative analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Content analysis was conducted on qualitative data.ResultsHealth professionals were the most common and preferred sources of gynaecological health information. Enablers to information provision included positive communication strategies by health professionals, participants having prior knowledge and doing their own research. Despite its widespread availability, only 24.2% of women preferred the internet as an information source. Poor communication and inadequate information provision were identified as barriers to information access. Statistically significant associations were identified between location of residence, education level, year of birth, diagnostic group and health information preferences. Recommendations from women included improved communication strategies, system changes and provision of individualized information.ConclusionHealth professionals are central to women accessing information about gynaecological diagnoses. Areas for improvement include communication strategies, facilitating access to internet‐based resources for information and consideration of women's preferences when providing health information.Implications for the Profession and Patient CareConsumer co‐design of gynaecological health information and communication training for health professionals is recommended. Improved communication and facilitated use of internet‐based resources may improve women's understanding of information.Impact This study explored gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access. It was found that gynaecological patients preferred individualized information provided to them directly by health professionals and despite its widespread availability, the internet is an underutilized health information resource. These findings are applicable to health professionals and patients utilizing tertiary gynaecological health services in Australia but may be generalized if demographic data aligns with other jurisdictions. Reporting MethodThe STROBE reporting method was used in the preparation of the manuscript.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.