Abstract: FR-OR078
Confidence in Womens Health: An International Survey of Nephrologists
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials
October 26, 2018 | Location: 24A, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 04:30 PM - 04:42 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1203 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials
Authors
- Reynolds, Monica Lona, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Hendren, Elizabeth M., University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Zee, Jarcy, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Mariani, Laura H., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Hladunewich, Michelle A., University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background
A broad range of women’s health issues are intimately related to kidney disease, yet little is known about providers’ confidence in these issues. The women’s health working group of CureGN sought to assess adult Nephrologists’ exposure to women’s health, their confidence in counseling and management, and ways to improve future care.
Methods
A 25-question survey was disseminated via the CureGN email network, the Canadian Society of Nephrology and ASN Kidney News. Demographics, practice characteristics, and response prevalence were summarized with descriptive statistics. Responses across country of practice (United States vs Canada) were compared using Pearson’s chi squared test.
Results
Of the 154 respondents, 58% were from the US, 53% were women, and the median age was between 41-45. The majority (77%) identified their practice setting as academic. 55% of the respondents had fellowship training in women’s health, which was similar across country of training (p=0.325). Nephrologists from both countries lacked confidence across a spectrum of issues (Figure 1). Most provided contraception (64%) and pre-conception (68%) counseling to less than one woman per month though counseling occurred significantly more frequently in the US. In their career, 91% have cared for less than five pregnant women on dialysis. Only 12% had access to interdisciplinary clinics. Finally, 89% felt that interdisciplinary guidelines and/or continuing education seminars would improve knowledge.
Conclusion
As women with chronic kidney disease experience adverse maternal outcomes and remain at risk for disease progression postpartum, we must do better to bolster provider knowledge and comfort level. Further research is warranted to identify barriers to counseling about women’s health issues, identify best mechanisms to enhance physician confidence, and facilitate formation of interdisciplinary clinics. Interdisciplinary guidelines and case based materials may be a starting point.
Nephrologists' Confidence Managing Women's Health
Funding
- NIDDK Support