Health-care providers at Surrey Memorial Hospital are developing new approaches to make gynecological (pelvic) exams less painful for patients. The project is part of a Knowledge Translation Challenge grant supported by Fraser Health, Michael Smith Health Research BC, and the Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
Why It Matters
Pelvic exams are an important medical screening tool to detect various health conditions, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. But for many, the procedure can be uncomfortable or painful.
Jessica Adaszynski, a pelvic health physiotherapist, explained:
“We do know that some people experience pain during pelvic exams, and we think we can help with that.”
Training and Patient Tools
Adaszynski and her colleagues Amanda Lewis (RN) and Laurie Chiesa (Chronic Pain Clinic manager) are developing:
- Training protocols for clinicians in the Family Birthing Unit
- Patient information guides to help parents understand what to expect
- Visual aids showing exam procedures to reduce fear and uncertainty
Changing Patient Experiences
With newer options like take-home cervical screening kits, some birthing parents arrive at hospitals without ever having had a pelvic exam. This lack of experience can lead to anxiety and pain.
By training staff and educating patients ahead of time, the Surrey Memorial team hopes to:
- Reduce pelvic exam pain
- Improve patient comfort and confidence
- Enhance overall birthing experiences
Knowledge Translation Challenge
The funding comes from the Knowledge Translation (KT) Challenge, which supports frontline health-care providers in creating practice changes that directly improve patient care.
“By training clinicians and providing patients with as much information as possible, we hope to alleviate pelvic pain and improve the patient experience,” said Adaszynski.
