Effect of patient education on postcolposcopy follow-up

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of patient education on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and abnormal Pap smears for women scheduled for colposcopy and their compliance to treatment recommendations. A convenience sample of 60 women was included in the study. The experimental group included 30 women scheduled for colposcopy who received education prior to procedure. Thirty patients in the control group were women referred for colposcopy the year before the study. Both groups were similar in age, ethnicity, insurance status, and histological findings. Recall rates were analyzed between the two groups and results demonstrated a statistical difference in the return rate of the experimental group. Patient education increased compliance to treatment recommendations post colposcopy. Findings provide important information on the importance of educating patients with abnormal Pap results regarding HPV and sequelae of infection.