Oral Presentation
CONTEXT: Many patients suffer sexual disorders. Some doctors are uncomfortable or poorly prepared to treat sexual dysfunction in their patients. OBJETIVE: We analyze the knowledge of different medical specialists in relation the sexual dimension of their patients, as well as the attitudes and skills to listen and treat it. METHODS: We used of a previous validated FSP questionnaire: F = frequency with which the subject is confronted with the problem. S = given seriousness for the professional exercises. P = problems of skills to bring a response in terms of theoretical knowledge’s. The questionnaire is quoted 0 (rarely or few), 1 (sometimes or fairly) or 2 (often or many). Survey done with 62 different medical specialists: 19 gynecologists, 15 general practitioners, 13 urologists, 11 general surgeons and 4 medical oncologists. Comparison of means were performed with Student t test and subsequent pairwise comparison using the technique of minimal significant difference. RESULTS: (number = mean) (A) Frequency : a) personal awareness: higher in urologists and medical oncologists than in general surgeons (p = 0.001); b) professional confrontation with the sexual complaint: usual for urologists and general practitioners, less in medical oncologists and gynecologists and rarely in general surgeons (p = 0.00); c) attitude in case of patient demand: similar in all the specialists (p = 0.257). Urologists have a more proactive attitude (1.54) than gynecologists (1.05) and general surgeons (0.64) (p = 0.03). (B) Seriousness: to be listening and reactive to sexual demand is more important for urologists than the remaining specialists. (C) Problems: theoretical knowledge: good in urologists (1.54) than the other specialists (p = 0.026); technical skills: low in general practitioners and general surgeons and good for urologists (p = 0.005). The majority of the physicians believe that there should be a for specific consultation of sexology is opened in their hospital (90%) (p = 0.777). Men think very important to listen their patients’ sexual complaints (p = 0.02) and have greater knowledge sufficient to manage their sexual problems (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Urologists believe have greater proactive and good knowledge to treat the sexual problems of their patients compared than other physicians. Better continuing education should be done so that physicians adopt a proactive attitude towards the sexual health of their patients.