title: Office sonography and office hysteroscopy.
abstract: Researchers involved in assessing technology and healthcare, including gynecologic care, have identified differences among the terms efficacy, effectiveness and efficiency. In order to assess the efficiency of procedures such as office sonography and hysteroscopy, it is first necessary to compare them with the alternatives in terms of patient-focused outcomes. Office sonography has been used to diagnose early pregnancy disorders such as ectopic gestations and evaluate other adnexal pathology, with mixed results. The use of office hysteroscopy to assess abnormal bleeding may replace procedures that are associated with greater risk and expense. More information regarding outcomes is needed for both procedures before they can be recommended as efficient alternatives for the diagnosis or treatment of gynecologic conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCLA School of Medicine.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Gambone
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Munro
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D009819:Office Visits; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D012449:Safety; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*