title: Women's views and experiences of outpatient hysteroscopy: implications for a patient-centered service.
abstract: This study examined women's views and experiences of an invasive outpatient procedure and was undertaken in the context of the UK Government's policy of developing a patient-centered service. The research was based on a consecutive series of 30 attendees for outpatient hysteroscopy at a London hospital. Pain was recorded using linear analog scales, qualitative semistructured interviews were undertaken and a diary was completed for 3 days following the procedure. Overall pain ratings for 13 women (45%) were classified as a medium to high score. However, nearly all women preferred a future outpatient procedure. A range of factors influenced this preference, including their ability to cope with the pain, the reduced anxiety associated with undergoing the procedure immediately, a dislike of general anesthetics and the convenience of not disrupting usual routines. The psychosocial aspects of care were also identified as important in assisting women to cope, and form a key factor influencing patient's evaluation of services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, King's College London, London, UK. myfanwy.morgan@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Myfanwy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Dodds
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.forename: Shanti
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raju
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D008131:London; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D018802:Patient-Centered Care