The feasibility of a one-stop colposcopy clinic in the management of women with low grade smear abnormalities: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of a one-stop colposcopy clinic for the management of women with low-grade smear abnormalities. Secondly, to determine whether the approach of immediate information of biopsy results combined with treatment if indicated helps to reduce patient anxiety and improve overall patient satisfaction with the colposcopy process.


METHODS
Prospective study following the introduction of a "one-stop" process for the management of women with low grade smear abnormalities.


METHODS
First 118 women managed in a "one-stop" clinic during an 8-month period.


METHODS
Assessment of patient anxiety via self-completed questionnaires and comparison of anxiety scores with a control group managed via a standard clinic.


RESULTS
The median waiting time for results in the one-stop clinic was 120 min (range: 100-165). All women in both groups felt anxious at the time of the clinic visit. However, after 1 week the majority of patients managed via the one-stop process felt slight anxiety only (P=0.0001) as opposed to those patients in the control group who remained anxious (P=NS). In addition, all women said they would prefer the one-stop approach for further smear abnormalities if a further colposcopic examination was warranted.


CONCLUSIONS
A one-stop colposcopy clinic is feasible for the management of women with low-grade smear abnormalities. In addition, it delivers a quality service, optimises patient management, reduces anxiety and is the patient's choice.
Naik
R
R
Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre (NGOC), Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE9 6SX, Gateshead, UK. naik@doctors.org.uk
Abang-Mohammed
K
K
Tjalma
W A
WA
Nordin
A
A
de Barros Lopes
A
A
Cross
P A
PA
Hemming
J D
JD
Monaghan
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D003127:Colposcopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology