Perception of patients in Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic about the host and conservative therapeutic approach in urinary incontinence

Objective: To describe the perception of patients with urinary incontinence concerning the secondary care facilities outreach and treatment programs. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, when women referred to the Urogynecology Clinic between January and March 2008 answered to an interview. Rresults: Most patients included in the study had low schooling level and complained of frequent urinary loss in great quantity. As for the expected type of treatment, the patients were almost equally divided into three treatment types: drug therapy, physiotherapy, and surgery. Concerning their perception of and satisfaction with the received medical care, it was observed that all questions were answered by patients, most of them felt comfortable and safe during their appointment with the physician, and felt that their problem would be solved at the healthcare facility. Cconclusions: There is a discrepancy between the patient’s idea of therapy and the treatment that is actually being proposed. However, although this discrepancy exists, a qualified multidisciplinary outreach program results in good satisfaction levels with the medical care, understanding of the problem, and expectation with the treatment.