Institute for Healthcare Improvement: Increase Patient Comfort During Gynecological (GYN) Exams

	Log In/Register
	Contact Us
	Site Map

More Search Options

	Home > Topics > HIV/AIDS > HIV/AIDS: General > Changes > Individual Changes

Programs

Topics

Improvement

Leading System Improvement

Chronic Conditions

Critical Care

Developing Countries

End Stage Renal Disease

Flow

Health Professions Education

Medical-Surgical Care

Office Practices

Patient-Centered Care

Implement Comprehensive Women’s Health Care for HIV-Infected Women:

Increase Patient Comfort During Gynecological (GYN) Exams

Many women experience increased anxiety during gynecological (GYN) examinations. Understanding these feelings allows practitioners to anticipate female patients’ needs and incorporate a range of strategies to help increase women’s comfort with the exam process. Several programs have implemented the suggestions below.

Tips

Devise ways to help your patient relax through verbal reassurance, breathing exercises, visualization, or other techniques.
Verbally prepare your patient by explaining each upcoming step in the examination process before carrying it out.
Ask your patient what you can do to make the exam more comfortable for her.
Communicate with the patient about findings. Use neutral, asexual words, for example, "Your cervix looks normal" as opposed to "Your cervix looks great."

Tools

Promoting Gynecological (GYN) Care for HIV-Infected Women

Measuring Clinical Performance: A Guide for HIV Health Care Providers



Implement Comprehensive Women's Health Care for HIV-Infected Women Measures Improvement Stories

Post your comments about this item.

View All Comments

Post Your Comments