Using a wrap skirt to improve the pelvic examination experience

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Patient Experience
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Pelvic examinations often involve patient nakedness, leading to discomfort and vulnerability.
• Cultural and religious factors, such as for Muslim women, can exacerbate feelings of embarrassment.
• Existing practices may not adequately address patient dignity and emotional well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate women's and physicians' experiences with nakedness during pelvic examinations.
• To assess the effectiveness of a wrap skirt in mitigating discomfort and vulnerability.
• To determine patient and physician satisfaction with the use of a wrap skirt.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 1000 women offered a wrap skirt during pelvic examinations.
• Data collection via post-procedure questionnaires for both patients and physicians.
• Statistical analysis using chi-squared contingency tables to compare responses.

Main Results:

• 51% of women reported feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed, with Muslim women experiencing significantly higher rates.
• 58% of women found the wrap skirt a significant improvement, with 69% requesting it for future use.
• Physicians reported the wrap skirt as beneficial (56%), though a portion remained unconvinced (38%).

Conclusions:

• Current pelvic examination practices can cause unnecessary embarrassment due to patient nakedness.
• A wrap skirt serves as a simple yet effective protective measure to alleviate patient discomfort and vulnerability.
• Implementing wrap skirts can significantly enhance the patient experience during gynecological examinations.