The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has opened a consultation on a patient information resource relating to outpatient hysteroscopy.
The ‘Outpatient Hysteroscopy’ patient information resource aims to provide women and people who have been offered a hysteroscopy as an outpatient with up-to-date information about the procedure and options for treatment to support informed decision making. The feedback we receive through this consultation will be carefully considered and used to finalise the resource.
The resource is based on an update to the RCOG Green-top Guideline which is being updated at the same time. The clinical guideline will provide healthcare professionals with the latest evidence-based information regarding outpatient hysteroscopy, with particular reference to minimising pain and optimising the patient experience. The date of publication for the clinical guideline is yet to be confirmed.
Hysteroscopy is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat gynaecological conditions. It involves examining the inside of the uterus (womb). This is done by passing a thin telescope-like device fitted with a small camera through the neck of the womb (cervix). This allows the clinician to see whether there are any problems inside the uterus that may need further investigation or treatment. It may also be possible for a minor procedure to be done in the same visit, such as endometrial biopsy, polyp removal, small fibroid removal or removal of a coil.
The majority of women and people have an acceptable experience of outpatient hysteroscopy, with pain levels tolerable to them and rapid recovery. However, for some women it is an unpleasant, and even traumatic, experience because of the pain. Women should be provided with all the information they need to make an informed choice about their hysteroscopy procedure, either in an outpatient or inpatient hospital setting. This should include information around safety, pain relief options and potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure under different settings.
Mrs Geeta Kumar, Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “The College is committed to ensuring good quality care for everyone who is offered a hysteroscopy. This is a very important patient resource which aims to provide women who have been offered a hysteroscopy as an outpatient procedure with up-to-date information about the available options and the procedure to support informed decision making. We have welcomed the involvement of RCOG Women’s Network members in developing the draft resource, but now warmly invite members of the public, women’s health organisations, and clinicians to share their views via the consultation, so we can develop the best possible information resource for women.”
- The draft resource will be open for consultation until Tuesday 2 July. To feedback click here.