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Chaperone use by family physicians during the collection of a Pap smear.
- Source :
-
Annals of family medicine [Ann Fam Med] 2003 Nov-Dec; Vol. 1 (4), pp. 218-20. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- Background: We wanted to determine whether variations exist in use of a chaperone during the performance of a pelvic examination by family physicians.<br />Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 5,000 randomly selected active members of the American Academy of Family Physicians.<br />Results: There were 3,551 survey responses (71% response rate) and 2,748 useable questionnaires. Most respondents (75.4%) reported routinely using a chaperone in the room during the collection of a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. Significantly (P < .00001) more male physicians (84.1%) than female physicians (31.4%) reported using a chaperone. Physicians reporting routine use of a chaperone were significantly younger (P = .01) and did fewer Pap smears per month (P < .00001). Regional reporting of chaperone use varied significantly (P < .00001), with 71.6% reporting use in the Northeast, 89.0% in the South, 65.7% in the Midwest, and 72.4% in the West.<br />Conclusion: Family physicians vary considerably in the reported use of a chaperone during the collection of a Pap smear. The variation could reflect different regional or local norms, efficiency or resource issues in high-volume clinical settings, or other interpersonal factors. These issues need to be explored in more depth.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1544-1709
- Volume :
- 1
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Annals of family medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 15055411
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.69