title: Colposcopy.
abstract: Colposcopy is a method of examination of the cervix using an optical magnifying instrument. Tracy Smith discusses the assessment process, the cervical screening programme, management for patients who have abnormal smears, patient counselling and the role of the nurse colposcopist.
authors.affiliation: Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009731:Nursing Audit; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis*