Women's preferences for their gynecologist or obstetrician

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate women's preferences in selecting their gynecologist or obstetrician. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at the Women's Health Center "Netka", Tel Aviv over a 1-month period in 2006 and included 287 participants. Women were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Most women (60.3%) reported that the gender of their gynecologist or obstetrician was not an important consideration when choosing a gynecologist or an obstetrician. The major determinants in their choice of a gynecologist or an obstetrician included professionalism (98.9%), courtesy (96.6%) and board certification (92%). The rating of the two most important factors in their choice revealed the following order: professionalism (45.3%), courtesy (25.8%), board certification (10.8%), availability (10.1%), comprehension (6.5%) and communication (1.5%). Conclusion: Israeli women's model of choice of their gynecologist involved physicians' professionalism and courtesy while availability and physician's gender was significantly less important. Practice implications: The presented data may help health providers during patients' education and counseling along with facilitating better understanding of patients' needs.