How women perceive and evaluate management of vulvovaginal symptoms by their GP.

There are indications that uncertain vulvovaginal candidiasis could be a marker
of PVD. GPs might reconsider their diagnostics and management when women
present recurrent and persistent vulvovaginal complaints, especially if
accompanied by dyspareunia, functional syndromes, micturition symptoms and
psychological conditions. However, GPs feel reluctant to take a sexual history
and perform a vulvovaginal examination. It seems that the management by GPs is
not in accordance with the needs of women.

Primary Objective: The aim of this qualitative study is to obtain more insight
into how patients with PVD perceive and evaluate management of their
vulvovaginal complaints by their GP.

Secondary Objective: Optimizing support and treatment by GP*s to patients who
suffer from PVD and other vulvovaginal symptoms.

In general, primarily, we want to investigate which barriers and facilitators
did affect women with PVD when they consulted a GP in need for a treatment.
What did women expect and experience regarding discussing sexuality and
undergoing physical examination? What would they, afterwards, advice their GP?
In short, what lessons could be learned in order to improve diagnostics and
management of PVD in general practice?

The interviewer will be the student-researcher. After each interview, all
audiotaped material will be transcribed and independently coded by the
student-researcher and PhD candidate (P. Leusink, MD). Discrepancies in coding
will be discussed until consensus is reached. Analysis obtained by coding and
evaluating after two interviews, will be used to revise the interview guide for
the next interview, if necessary. The aim is to perform enough interviews until
saturation in topics is reached. Subsequently all the transcripts will be
uploaded and digitally coded using software program MaxQDA. Finally 4-5 major
themes will be distracted from these codes in order to describe the main
findings.

We do not expect any risks. The burden consists of filling in a short
questionnaire and participating in one qualitative interview (during which
intimate questions will be posed). If the questionnaire and/or the interview
are mentally taxing for the participant, help will be offered.