Journal of Gynecology and Reproductive Health
- ISSN: 2574-2728
Sarah Hmaidan, Taryn Boucher, Lauren S Prescott and Alaina J Brown
Aims: To examine gynecologic oncologists’ (GO) practice patterns and knowledge of fertility preservation (FP) and fertility sparing treatment (FST) among patients with gynecologic malignancies.
Methods: Society of Gynecologic Oncology members were anonymously surveyed regarding demographics, practice patterns, access to reproductive endocrinologists (RE), and FP knowledge. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Passing score on scenario-based questions was 4 or higher. Associations between sociodemographic variables and test scores were analyzed using linear regression.
Results: 82 GO (8%) completed the survey. Median age was 43. Most were female (72%), white (92%), practiced at an academic institution (57%), had practiced 10 or fewer years (56%), and had access to RE (61%). Most felt comfortable counseling on FP (83%) and nearly all (99%) reported they were likely to discuss desire for fertility prior to treatment. Most felt they had adequate or better training on FP during fellowship (77%). The mean score on scenario questions was 68% (mean of 3.4/5, SD. 0.84, range 1-5). Of the respondents (n = 68) stating they were comfortable or very comfortable counseling FP, 35 (51%) passed the scenario questions. 8 (12%) who reported feeling very comfortable or comfortable counseling on FP failed the test (score 1-2). 4 respondents scored 100% on the test. Linear regression did not show significant relationships between sociodemographic characteristics.
Conclusions: GO report confidence counseling FP and readily assess patients’ desire for fertility, but only half passed scenario questions. This may indicate a potential educational gap within the field. Opportunities for improved FP training exist and there is a need for continued collaboration with RE providers.