[Psychosocial counselling in gynecological practices : Results from a nationwide, representative survey of gynecologists in Germany].

BACKGROUND: Due to their high social acceptance gynecologists provide ideal conditions for approaching families. Psychosocial stress (PSS), e. g. in the context of partnership conflicts, poverty or social isolation can be identified and support can be initiated.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to capture attitudes and engagement of gynecologists dealing with patients with PSS in gynecological practices in Germany.

METHODS: Out of 3000 randomly selected gynecologists in private practices, 1034 (response rate: 35%) took part in a Germany-wide questionnaire study on gynecologists' sense of responsibility, procedures and barriers when dealing with women with PSS.

RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of the surveyed gynecologists felt responsible for patients with PSS. On average, gynecologists assumed PSS in 23% of their patients. Most of the gynecologists counseled patients with PSS and referral into the regional help system often occurred. When asked about the German early intervention system, 74% responded that they could imagine their own practice participating in this system. A need for improvement was observed in networking and financing. Significant differences in screening and interventions were found mainly in terms of professional experience, old vs. new federal states as well as between single and joint practices.

CONCLUSIONS: Surprisingly, openness and engagement for patients with PSS were found in gynecological practices. The majority of gynecologists already offered psychosocial interventions. It may be deduced from these results that gynecologists in practices would contribute to the psychosocial aid network if key basic conditions including the financing were fulfilled.