Reducing distress associated with pelvic examinations: a stimulus control intervention

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Patient Comfort Studies
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Pelvic examinations can cause patient distress and discomfort.
• Current examination gowns or drapes may not adequately address patient anxiety or comfort.
• Improving the patient experience during pelvic exams is crucial for adherence and satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel pelvic examination gown in reducing patient-reported discomfort.
• To compare patient experiences with a new gown versus a standard drape during pelvic examinations.
• To assess the impact of gown design on patient anxiety and desired procedural changes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 87 patients at a private gynecology clinic.
• Patients were assigned to either an experimental gown or a standard drape.
• Questionnaires assessed discomfort, anxiety, and procedural preferences; physiological measures (heart rate, blood pressure) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Patients using the experimental gown reported significantly greater comfort than those using the standard drape.
• Experimental group subjects desired fewer changes to examination procedures, indicating a better overall experience.
• No significant differences in heart rate or blood pressure were noted between groups.

Conclusions:

• The novel pelvic examination gown effectively enhances patient comfort during gynecological exams.
• Improved gown design can mitigate patient distress and anxiety associated with pelvic examinations.
• This study highlights the importance of patient-centered design in medical apparel.