An audit of general practitioner referrals for pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool and accessto this investigation is not universally available to all generalpractitioners (GPs). The aim of this study was to assess ifGPs working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were using pelvicultrasound appropriately by determining the rates of diagnosticyield and referral after the investigation. It was then ascertainedif these results were affected by the post-graduate trainingor gender of the doctor. The subjects were adult females whohad had a pelvic ultrasound ordered by a GP over a 2-month period.A chart review determined the presenting complaint, the completenessof the request form, the result of the ultrasound and subsequentmanagement of the patient. Diagnostic yields and referral rateswere similar to those found in other studies and were unaffectedby the post graduate training or gender of the doctor or theamount of information contained in the request form. This studysupports the premise that GPs can use pelvic ultrasound appropriatelyand should be allowed free access to this investigation.