Conscious sedation for the performance of gynecologic examination of individuals with intellectual disability.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Gynecologic examination of some individuals with intellectual disability can be especially problematic. Many of these women reside in a community setting and a widely applicable method for performing these examinations is desirable.

METHODS:

Intellectually disabled women were referred by their primary care providers for gynecologic examinations under sedation in the emergency room facility of a community hospital. Intravenous conscious sedation was administered under the direction of an emergency room physician.

RESULTS:

Thirteen adult women underwent 22 examinations over a four-year period. Papanicolau smears, screening for sexually transmitted disease and cervical and endometrial biopsies were obtained without complications. Hospital charges were relatively low and lengths of stay were short.

CONCLUSION:

In selected individuals with intellectual disability, intravenous conscious sedation in a community hospital emergency room setting provides a safe, effective and relatively inexpensive means for performing gynecologic examinations.

• Authors: Joshua S Jaffe
• Journal: Connecticut medicine (Conn Med) Vol. 69 Issue 5 Pg. 267-9 (May 2005) ISSN: 0010-6178 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16114641 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Ambulatory Care
• Biopsy, Needle
• Conscious Sedation (methods)
• Female
• Gynecology (methods)
• Humans
• Mass Screening (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Persons with Mental Disabilities
• Physical Examination (methods)
• Quality of Health Care
• Risk Assessment
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Vaginal Smears (methods)