Introduction and hypothesis: Currently, there is no global outcome assessment index in prolapse research. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) has only been validated in incontinence. Our aim was to validate its use following prolapse surgery.
Methods: Women with prolapse were recruited from waiting lists and assessed objectively (pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q)). Quality of life (QoL) was assessed with prolapse QoL questionnaire (pQoL). Patient goal achievement (visual analogue scale (VAS)) determined subjective satisfaction and PGI-I indicated overall satisfaction. We established construct validity of PGI-I by correlating final PGI-I response with other measures of response, measured at 1 year: (POP-Q/pQoL/VAS) RESULTS: There was excellent test-retest reliability and correlation between PGI-I and other outcome measures.
Conclusion: We believe this is the first study validating PGI-I as a global index of response to prolapse surgery. This may be a valuable addition not only in clinical practice but also in trials comparing surgical interventions.