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Emergency department pelvic examination and Pap testing: addressing patient misperceptions
Michael S Lyons1, Christopher J Lindsell, Alexander T Trott
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, University Medical Center, PO Box 670769, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0769, USA. lyonsme@ucmail.uc.edu
Summary
Many women undergoing pelvic exams in the emergency department (ED) lack knowledge about Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening. Educating patients in the ED about Pap tests may be feasible and effective for improving cervical cancer screening awareness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Limited knowledge about Papanicolaou (Pap) smear testing can hinder cervical cancer screening.
- Women undergoing pelvic examinations in emergency departments (EDs) often have poor understanding of Pap tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge of Pap smear testing among women receiving pelvic examinations in an ED.
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of patient education regarding Pap tests within the ED setting.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to patients undergoing pelvic examinations in an urban, tertiary care ED.
- A pilot intervention involved scripted information delivery by physicians and/or counselors.
- Patient understanding of Pap tests was assessed before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of women surveyed (74%) mistakenly believed they had received a Pap test during their ED visit.
- Only 26% of women who knew the purpose of a Pap test correctly identified it as a test for cervical cancer.
- Post-intervention, patients receiving counseling showed improved understanding of whether they had or had not received a Pap test.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge regarding Pap smear testing is notably poor among women in the ED setting.
- Patient education delivered in the ED appears feasible and potentially effective in improving understanding of Pap tests and cervical cancer screening.