Benchmarking services in Outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH): a quality
improvement project
Abstract
Objective To develop a survey evaluating women’s experience of
outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH) to generate data for benchmarking services
in the UK Design Quality improvement project and national survey.
Setting 77 hospitals with OPH services collected data over two-months.
Population 5151 women Methods The OPH-Patient Satisfaction Survey
(OPH-PSS) was developed using a multi-disciplinary approach. Good
practice guidance in hysteroscopy and existing survey’s provided content
for the survey. Pilot testing identified aspects of the women’s OPH
journey that contributed to a final survey that was rolled out
nationally. Main outcome variable Adequacy of OPH services reflected in
women’s experience of their OPH journey and the quality of care being
delivered. Results The majority (3193, 76%) of hysteroscopic procedures
were diagnostic. Most women (4485, 87%) received adequate information
regarding OPH with 4581 (89%) agreeing that analgesia was discussed.
5033 (97%) felt involved in their care. Women commonly reported pain
(4490, 87%), but >50% regarded this as slight. 1 in 10
women felt anxious. 1217 (26%) women experienced feeling faint.
Overall, >90% (4,867) of women considered the OPH service
good. The mean score rating for overall level of care was considerably
high (9.7/10). Comparative pain scores for OPH vs the worst pain felt
during a menstrual period showed OPH to be less painful, except for
endometrial ablation (P=<0.001). Conclusion This novel survey,
evaluating women’s experience of OPH (OPH-PSS), provides a useful tool
for benchmarking OPH services. Overall, the information provided to
women and their subsequent experience of OPH is good, but pain is
common.