Understanding patient experiences during gynaecological procedures: a qualitative exploratory study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Patient Experience Research
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Pain and anxiety are common during gynecological procedures but often undertreated.
• Existing research on pain management has gaps in understanding facilitators and barriers to positive patient experiences.
• This study explores factors influencing patient experiences beyond pain during gynecological procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing patient experiences during gynecological procedures.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to positive procedural experiences.
• To inform person-centered care strategies in reproductive health.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews.
• Convenience sampling of 15 participants with experience in procedures like IUD insertion, surgical abortion, colposcopy, and endometrial biopsy.
• Thematic analysis guided by the Person-Centered Care Framework for Reproductive Health Equity (PCFRHE).

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: balancing preparation and anxiety, variable clinician rapport, self-advocacy and autonomy, and clinician responsiveness to pain.
• These themes provide insight into how patients process their procedural experiences.
• Patient-provider interactions and perceived control significantly impact the experience.

Conclusions:

• Person-centered care in an inclusive, trauma-responsive environment is crucial for enhancing gynecological procedural experiences.
• Providing pre- and post-visit information and offering comfort options are actionable steps for clinicians.
• Improved preprocedural education and support are vital for better patient outcomes.