Empowering patients is key to improving gynaecology experiences
A collaborative dialogue between clinician and patient can make a huge difference to patient experience, writes Stephanie O’Donohue It is vital that patients feel safe and supported when accessing gynaecology services. There are many excellent healthcare professionals driving forward improvements in gynaecology care, but we know that traumatic experiences continue to occur.12 Patient accounts relating to procedures such as intrauterine device insertions or hysteroscopies are evidence of this. We have heard patients describe unbearably high levels of pain, exacerbated by the absence of any forewarning from medical professionals. Many have felt their pain was dismissed or ignored and that they were sent on their way without due concern, compassion, or follow-up. These negative experiences can have a damaging, long lasting effect on the relation between patients and the healthcare system and can leave patients feeling fearful of attending other important health appointments. Being invited
