Impact of using words with unpleasant emotional connotations on perceived patient discomfort during vaginal speculum examinations: A randomized controlled trial

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
Jose CarugnoMary Mackenzie Grady

Abstract

Many providers often use terms such as "this might hurt", or "you might feel pressure" during exams with the intention to be compassionate and to help decrease discomfort. No evidence exists to support this practice. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the use of words with unpleasant emotional connotation on perceived discomfort at the time of vaginal speculum examination. A randomized trial was performed on premenopausal women undergoing a routine well-woman speculum exam. 120 total patients were included and randomized into one of two groups; phrases with unpleasant connotation (n = 60) vs. objective phrases (n = 60). During the speculum exam, the provider used either phrases with unpleasant connotation (i.e., "You are going to feel a lot of pressure"), or objective phrases (i.e., "I am going to introduce the speculum"). Following the exam, patients were asked to rate the level of discomfort/pain experienced during the exam and to compare their actual experience to their anticipated experience. Descriptive statistics were performed. Chi-square and independent samples t-test were used with a significance of p < 0.05. Patients in the phrases with unpleasant connotation group had significantly higher pain scores than th...Continue Reading

References

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Mar 8, 2011·Anaesthesia and Intensive Care·C S L ChooiA M Cyna
Jan 8, 2019·Journal of Women's Health·Kathy L MacLaughlinLila J Finney Rutten

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