This is a prospective cohort study to determine if using a birthing mirror during the patient's pelvic examination decreases patients's degree of vulnerability and discomfort.
In Obstetrics and Gynecology and its gynecologic subspecialties, the pelvic examination is routine practice for screening and diagnostic purposes. Nevertheless, due to their intimate nature, pelvic examinations may result in loss of control, embarrassment, discomfort and anxiety. The mirror pelvic exam has been a proposed technique to decrease patient anxiety and improve comfort during an already uncomfortable examination. However, little research has focused on this modality to date. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the mirror pelvic exam decreases the level of vulnerability and discomfort experienced during the pelvic examination.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
147
using a mirror during the pelvic examination
Cincinnati Urogynecology Associates
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Group Difference in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on Level of Vulnerability
VAS on vulnerability level will be measured after the pelvic exam, and group difference after controlling for baseline vulnerability, will be calculated. The VAS is a validated 100 millimeter scale with 'no vulnerability' represented as 0 mm and 'very vulnerable' equating to 100 mm.
Time frame: 30 minutes after the pelvic exam
Group Difference in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on Level of Pain/Discomfort
VAS on discomfort level will be measured after the pelvic exam, and group difference after controlling for baseline discomfort level, will be calculated. The VAS is a validated 100 millimeter scale with 'no pain' represented as 0 mm and 'most pain' equating to 100 mm.
Time frame: 30 minutes after the pelvic exam
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