OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGYSTS’ EXPERIENCE IN HEALTHCARE PROVISION FOR DISABLED PATIENTS IN LITHUANIA

Abstract

Aim of the research. To find out the experience of obstetricians and gyneacologysts in healthcare provision for disabled patients in Lithuania. Methods. Voluntary anonymous quantitative questionnaire survey, adjusted for use in Lithuania by standard procedures of translation and adaptation to Lithuanian language and culture, was conducted. Data provided by 90 Lithuanian obstetricians and gynecologists was analyzed. Results. The average period of service of the respondents was 23.5±1.308 years. Most respondents (86.7%, p<0.001) have provided care to disabled patients, more than a half of them have encountered communication problems (61.1%, p<0.02). Period of service longer than 21 years increased the possibility to work with disabled patients by 14 times (OR=14,3, CI=11,3–16,4). Almost all respondents (94.5%) answered that they willingly consult disabled women on sexual and reproductive health, 70.9% of physicians responded that the communication was most often directly hampered by the patient’s disability (p≤0.00001). As most mentioned statistically significant factors that could facilitate the work with patients with disabilities, physicians selected longer appointments and a support person for better communication with the patient 63.2% and 58.9%, respectively. Four out of five respondents would be interested in seminars on healthcare provision for disabled patients (78.9%, n=71, p<0.00001). Conclusions. Most obstetricians and gynaecologysts working in Lithuania consult disabled women on sexual and reproductive health, however short appointment time and lack of personnel are barriers that need a systemic improvement in healthcare provision for disabled people.