Patients' perception of the hysterosalpingogram: the initial stages of the audit cycle

A prospective study of 98 consecutive hysterosalpingogram examinations was undertaken to evaluate patients' understanding of the examination, to assess their anxiety levels and to identify any factors where improvements might alleviate this anxiety. This was achieved by employing three simple questionnaires, two being completed by the patient (before and after the examination), the third being completed by the radiologist who recorded clinical and technical details. In this study the majority of patients knew why the examination was being performed, although only 50% had received an explanation of the technique prior to their arrival in the department. Anxiety levels associated with the examination were high. The importance of a sympathetic approach by the radiologist prior to the examination was highlighted, and it was found that time delays contributed to the anxiety level.