Physicians' attitudes toward a new gynecological examination gown

Gynecologists' attitudes toward an examination gown found in previous studies to reduce patients' distress during examination were investigated. Twenty-six gynecologists in four cities volunteered to use the new examination gown and complete a questionnaire evaluating the gown for adequacy of design and perceived patient comfort. Participants rated the gown positively overall. Favorability ratings were highly correlated with ratings of the structural adequacy of the gown for performing the breast, back, and pelvic exams. Favorability was also highly correlated with physicians' perceptions of the patients' comfort with the gown. The new gynecological examination gown is well accepted by gynecologists. It appears that gynecologists are open to changes in examination procedures that do not interfere with the exam and increase patient comfort. This new gown offers a strategy for decreasing patient distress during examination, which may reduce delay in seeking examinations.