Will a patient information brochure increase acceptance of Omani women with varicose veins to be examined by a male surgeon ?- A prospective randomized single blinded study.

Abstract

Varicose veins are not uncommon among Omani women. As currently there are no female vascular surgeons, it has been noticed in our outpatient clinic that a number of them are reluctant to be examined by a male vascular surgeon, have a duplex ultrasound done and therefore a management plan cannot be made in this subset. This study is a first of its kind in Oman, looking at the impact of a patient information booklet about varicose veins etiology, symptoms, signs, assessment and management, on the attitude of a female patient's acceptance towards examination by a male surgeon in the presence of a chaperone.