The Pelvic Exam
The Problem
The pelvic exam can evoke intense embarrassment, physical pain, tension or anxiety among women. In some cases, the examination may even trigger past traumas. Nevertheless, until recently, there were no official guidelines for conducting these examinations.
Promoting Change
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We have conducted a groundbreaking study among 6,500 women regarding their experiences surrounding the pelvic exam (the most robust survey of this issue worldwide).
Following the survey we compiled a comprehensive report on the needs of women during the exam, with recommendations aimed at improving communication between the doctor and patient and easing discomfort, pain and embarrassment. We also published our results in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The report led to the publication of the first official guidelines for intimate examinations in Israel.
Our recommendations were adopted by the Israel Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clalit (the largest HMO in Israel) and other health organizations in Israel and are now part of the official ethical code for doctors in the country.
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We created The Briah Foundation Code for Women's Clinics in Israel
in order to promote awareness among patients and medical staff to the rights of patients undergoing a pelvic exam. The Sheba Medical Center and Maccabi Healthcare Services adopted the Code, and it is publicly displayed in all their women's health clinics
Conferences, Lectures, and Medical Training
Based on our survey and report, we have conducted dozens of lectures and workshops to doctors and medical staff on communication and patient-centered care in gynecology, and we continue to work on the implementation of our recommendations throughout Israeli healthcare services.
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