A Gynaecologist Asks Twitter “How Would You Design/Optimize A Visit To The Gynecologist’s Office?” And People Had A Lot To Say
So I don’t know about you guys but gynaecologist visits make me super nervous. Thankfully I haven’t had experiences that caused that BUT I somehow tend to be nervous when a gynac visit is coming up. And I don’t even think it’s my poor gynaecologist’s fault. I think it is just the connotation attached to the whole event or the fact that gynac offices tend to be pretty cold and dreary. Like, I know that many of them try to make you feel comfortable but for me, the odd position we are meant to sit in and act like we don’t have an intrusion going on down there is pretty daunting. Moreover, my anxiety tends to be at an all-time high which sounds like more of a me problem. Luckily, more and more gynaecologist’s are getting conscious and aware of the discomfort that their patients might go through and are trying to make their spaces more comfortable for them. One of these gems is Dr Ryan Stewart who asked the question, “I have the opportunity to design my office from scratch. I’m asking women. How would you design/optimize a visit to the gynecologist’s office?” and his tweet went viral with many twitter users giving him tips.
Firstly, he was called out for the lack of inclusivity in his question, as he only addressed it to women. He addressed that and apologised for the same saying,
I’m a #workinprogress.
I appreciate your advocacy and the reminders. Everyone is welcome and I want them to feel welcomed.
— Ryan Stewart (@stuboo) December 5, 2021
Let’s get into some of the suggestions left by people who go to the gynaecologist have left for the doctor,
No one should ever have to discuss any aspect of their care with anyone (I’m thinking nurse, receptionist) within earshot of other patients. Also, patients should not be able to listen to phone calls or dictation. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve heard while sitting.
— Dr.Erin (@macdoin) December 5, 2021
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More inclusivity? Yes, please!
Be a weight neutral office (& make it clear on your website/marketing)! Don't weigh folks unless medically necessary (explain why if it is). Have chairs/gowns/tables that work for large bodies.
No religious stuff (no gospel radio/tv playing, no bible verses on the walls).
— Hunter knits tiny nonsense (@HunterHammersen) December 7, 2021
Please have images of Black women in the office. I haven't visited a gynecologist office yet with this type of representation. Also, privacy is key. I shouldn't fear that the door will swing open exposing me in the middle of my examination.
— Dr. Kimberly Sapre (@KimEMPA2019) December 5, 2021
There were a few suggestions to provide physical comfort for gynaecologist visits which I agree with too,
Sterile environment. Warm scapula, opt for the softest non-pinching ones because I always get pinched between the metal & when you're someone like me it's incredibly painful to lay there while they do the biopsies when you're already being pinched. Showing all tools & what
— ✨Meadow🌛✨ (@SpiritedBliss) December 8, 2021
Ideas were given for expecting mothers which is so important and the doctor agrees too,
💯This is incredibly important.
(I hope that someday someone reading this thread will be designing an OB office, but it’s not me. I don’t provide obstetric care and will rarely see a pregnant patient.)
— Ryan Stewart (@stuboo) December 5, 2021
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Consent over everything else…
Oh, something else. Don't assume consent or knowledge of every step of a procedure.
I have a -very- severe needle phobia. The number of times I've gotten halfway through a medical proceedure only to hear 'ok, now we're just going to do this IV line now, don't worry!' 1/
— Sarah Dawn (@Sarah_Dawns) December 7, 2021
So many of these ideas and suggestions are things I never considered while going for a check-up. While a gynaecologist visit always makes me nervous, I never really bothered to wonder why. I believe it is of course upon the Doctor and the medical staff to make the patient feel comfortable. But I also believe that the negative connotation attached to the gynaecologist needs to leave already.
