Gynecologists' Perception of the Patient-Physician Relationship in Pelvic Examinations in Taiwan
Resource
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY v.29 n.4 pp.290-295
Journal
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Journal Volume
v.29
Journal Issue
n.4
Pages
290-295
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
CHEN, SHU-LING
CHAO, YU-MEI YU
TSAI, FU -CHANG
CHEN, MING-JER
TSAI, FU-CHANG
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the gynecologists' physical contact and their interaction with patients, as well as the patient- physicians relationship during the pelvic examination (PE). STUDY DESIGN: This qualitative study uses face-to-face, in- depth interviews with 20 gynecologists from three hospitals in central Taiwan. RESULTS: The results revealed two main categories: adopting non-gendered and desexualised strategies and acknowledging a patient's situation. The majority of gynecologists adopted strategies to reduce their embarrassment during a PE, such as the use of a PE curtain, having a nurse in attendance, the tendency to depend on an ultrasound scan and the use of minimal verbal communication. CONCLUSION: Within the social context in Taiwan, male gynecologists tend to adopt a non-gendered and desexualised attitude to lessen the embarrassment and to protect them from accusations of sexual misconduct by patients during the PE. Acknowledging a patient's situation can benefit the gynecologists and allowed them to conduct the PE more easily . The results could possibly provide the medical student with an awareness and reflection of how social interaction plays a role for the gynecologists and their patients during a PE.
Subjects
Patient-physician relationship
gynecologist
pelvic examination
qualitative study