Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis: An evidenced-based protocol for the improvement of patient outcomes

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent vaginal infection of women of childbearing age, with a prevalence of 10% to 50% (Parma, Vanni, Bertini, & Candiani). BV in women has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, post-surgical infections and preterm labor (Sanchez, Garcia, Thomas, Catlin, & Holmes, 2004). The PICO question developed for this project is: "For clinicians in a large not-for-profit healthcare system in Illinois, will the use of an evidenced based protocol for the treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) change the clinicians' practice?" Twenty-three clinicians at Planned Parenthood of Illinois were asked to complete a questionnaire about their current practice regarding the treatment of patients with recurrent BV. They were then provided with a presentation about the review of the literature on the treatment of recurrent BV and presented with an evidenced-based protocol for the treatment of recurrent BV. After 3 to 4 weeks the clinicians were asked to complete a second questionnaire. The findings of this project did not support the hypothesis that an evidenced-based protocol would effect a change in the practice of clinicians working at PPIL.