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Vaginal sonography and gender preference for sonographer
P O'Sullivan1, P Janssen, R D Wilson
1Diagnostic and Ambulatory Program, British Columbia's Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
Purpose:
The invasive nature of vaginal sonography, recently introduced as an improved diagnostic method for imaging the contents of the pregnant uterus, has provoked discussion about patient preference for female sonographers. This study examined whether patients had a gender preference for the sonographer who would conduct such an examination.
Methods:
Over 3 months, a written survey was given to pregnant women to complete anonymously while waiting for their scheduled sonographic examination. The survey covered gender preference for the sonographer and education, ethnicity, and previous experience with the procedure. Surveys were turned in by 1,002 pregnant women.
Results:
Of the women whose survey responses were analyzed, 62% preferred a female sonographer. The principal reason given for this preference was comfort with the same gender. The majority of respondents were 25-40 years old, married, white, and multiparous. The level of education varied widely.
Conclusions:
These findings point to a need to seek consumer input when new technology is introduced, to provide women with choices where possible, and to ensure that they have access to information about those choices.