Patient Satisfaction With Rapid Access Hysteroscopy Clinics for Postmenopausal Bleeding-A Single Centre Observational Study.

Abstract

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the leading gynaecological cancer and is increasing in incidence. The Counties Manukau area has higher rates of EC than the rest of New Zealand. Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for the investigation of those with risk factors for EC. To reduce time to diagnosis, our service developed a rapid access clinic (RAC) where hysteroscopy occurs at the first specialist clinic (FSA) visit.

Aim: To describe patient experience and satisfaction with the RAC.

Methods: Postmenopausal patients referred to the RAC were invited to participate in a survey about their experience. Survey responses were summarised, with patient satisfaction, acceptability of FSA and procedure in the same appointment, and pain scores considered as primary outcomes.

Results: The RAC had 194 attendances over 6 months and 74/112 approached patients consented to participate in the survey (approached response rate 66%). All patients surveyed reported high satisfaction with their care, and all were comfortable having the FSA and procedure in the same appointment. 57% described pain of hysteroscopy equal to or less than a menstrual period.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the RAC is well received by our postmenopausal patients, including higher risk ethnicities, and aligns with existing literature. These findings support the continuation of the outpatient hysteroscopy service and can aid in providing accurate counselling, patient expectations and reproduction of similar service models across other gynaecology units.