The feasibility of a one-stop colposcopy clinic in the management of women with low grade smear abnormalities: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of a one-stop colposcopy clinic for the management of women with low-grade smear abnormalities. Secondly, to determine whether the approach of immediate information of biopsy results combined with treatment if indicated helps to reduce patient anxiety and improve overall patient satisfaction with the colposcopy process. DESIGN: Prospective study following the introduction of a "one-stop" process for the management of women with low grade smear abnormalities. SUBJECTS: First 118 women managed in a "one-stop" clinic during an 8-month period. METHODS: Assessment of patient anxiety via self-completed questionnaires and comparison of anxiety scores with a control group managed via a standard clinic. RESULTS: The median waiting time for results in the one-stop clinic was 120 min (range: 100-165). All women in both groups felt anxious at the time of the clinic visit. However, after 1 week the majority of patients managed via the one-stop process felt slight anxiety only (P=0.0001) as opposed to those patients in the control group who remained anxious (P=NS). In addition, all women said they would prefer the one-stop approach for further smear abnormalities if a further colposcopic examination was warranted. CONCLUSION: A one-stop colposcopy clinic is feasible for the management of women with low-grade smear abnormalities. In addition, it delivers a quality service, optimises patient management, reduces anxiety and is the patient's choice.