Internet survey of colposcopy practices

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Cytopathology
• Public Health

Background:

• Atypical Papanicolaou smears require standardized management protocols.
• Electronic mail surveys offer a novel method for assessing healthcare provider practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey healthcare providers on their management of atypical Papanicolaou smears.
• To evaluate practice patterns for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs).

Main Methods:

• A six-item questionnaire was distributed via electronic mail to two OB/GYN forums.
• Approximately 340 eligible healthcare providers were invited to participate.
• Response rate was 26% (88 completed surveys).

Main Results:

• Referral rates for colposcopy varied significantly based on ASCUS subtyping.
• 42% for ASCUS-unqualified, 92% for ASCUS-neoplastic, 18% for ASCUS-reactive, and 95% for LSILs.
• ASCUS-neoplastic and LSILs showed similar colposcopy referral rates.

Conclusions:

• Subdividing ASCUS into reactive and neoplastic categories is clinically adopted.
• ASCUS-neoplastic and LSILs are triaged to colposcopy.
• Electronic mail surveys may yield lower response rates compared to traditional methods.