Development of a Clinical Proforma for the Assessment of Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Undergoing Surgical Management

Abstract Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) prevalence can reach up to 50% in certain populations, with symptomatic POP causing a significant burden and diminishing the quality of life. Critical information is often omitted from medical records, and thus thorough assessment is essential for optimal surgical management. This study aimed to determine if implementing a POP-specific, evidence-based clinical proforma would increase the completeness of documentation for women undergoing surgical management. A retrospective audit was conducted, comparing the completeness of documentation from the existing general proforma group (n = 110) with a POP proforma group (n = 193). Completeness was assessed against 33 criteria. Documentation completeness either improved or remained unchanged across all criteria following proforma implementation. Key improvements included POP-Q staging documented in 100% (vs. 59.1% previously) and compartment measurements in 81.3% (vs. 37%) of preoperative records. The use of a structured, unified POP-specific proforma improved the completeness of clinical documentation, supporting the adoption of standardised assessment tools in urogynecological practice.