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Junior doctors’ understanding of vulval pain/Vulvodynia: a qualitative survey

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Abstract

Aim

The objective of this survey is to explore junior doctors’ understanding of vulvodynia using a questionnaire.

Method

Fifty-six copies of the questionnaire were handed out at three hospitals: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colchester University Hospital, and Royal Free Hospital in London. The questionnaire was anonymous, containing 11 questions asking about different aspects of diagnosis and management of vulvodynia. The doctors were asked to write their post or level of Obstetrics and Gynaecology speciality training e.g. ST1, ST2, ST3, etc.

Results

The results highlight the limited amount of awareness and understanding of vulval pain among junior doctors.

Conclusion

There is little understanding about vulvodynia among junior gynaecologists. Most of them did not have any form of basic training about the condition even after reaching the final stages of the speciality training. In view of the estimated prevalence, there is a need for including some form of local and/or regional teaching about the causes and management of vulvar pain, particularly for those who are about to finish their speciality training.

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References

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the following for their support and help in the study: Prof. Allan Maclean, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London Medical School, and Miss Sandra Wright, PA, Colchester General Hospital.

Conflict of interest statement

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Toeima.

Additional information

Dr. E. Toeima designed the questionnaire, analysed the results, and wrote the manuscript. Mr. J. Nieto supervised the study, and revised the manuscript.

Appendix

Appendix

Vulvodynia questionnaire (educational survey)

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Toeima, E., Nieto, J. Junior doctors’ understanding of vulval pain/Vulvodynia: a qualitative survey. Arch Gynecol Obstet 283 (Suppl 1), 101–104 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1513-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1513-2

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