Screening pelvic examination in adult women: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends against routine screening pelvic exams for asymptomatic, nonpregnant women. Evidence shows limited benefits and potential harms, including overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Area Of Science
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Preventive Medicine
- Women's Health
Background
- The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed guidelines on screening pelvic examinations.
- Focuses on asymptomatic, nonpregnant, adult women to detect potential pathology.
Purpose Of The Study
- To present evidence on the utility of screening pelvic examinations.
- Provide clinical recommendations for asymptomatic, nonpregnant, adult women.
Main Methods
- Systematic review of English-language literature (1946-2014) via MEDLINE and hand-searching.
- Evaluated outcomes: morbidity, mortality, and harms (overdiagnosis, overtreatment, procedure-related harms, psychological distress).
- Graded evidence and recommendations using the ACP's clinical practice guidelines grading system.
Main Results
- Strong recommendation against performing screening pelvic examinations.
- Moderate-quality evidence supports this recommendation.
Conclusions
- Screening pelvic examinations are not recommended for asymptomatic, nonpregnant, adult women.
- The guideline aims to optimize patient care and minimize potential harms associated with unnecessary procedures.