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Ziegler E, Slotnes-O'Brien T, Peters MDJ. Cancer Screening and Prevention in the Transgender and Gender Diverse Population: Considerations and Strategies for Advanced Practice Nurses. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024; 40:151630. [PMID: 38622043 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This discussion paper presents recent evidence regarding cancer screening and prevention among the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community and highlights where and how advanced practice nurses (APNs), particularly those in primary care, can better contribute to closing the gap between healthcare disparities between TGD and cisgendered populations. METHODS Relevant publications on the topic and professional guidelines and evidence have formed the basis for this discussion paper. RESULTS TGD individuals are a vulnerable population with unique needs. They remain at risk of cancer and might be at greater risk of developing some cancers compared to cisgendered people but are underscreened. Barriers to gender-affirming care need to be addressed to improve access to prevention and screening services and improve the cancer care experiences and outcomes of TGD people. CONCLUSION APNs can work in collaboration with TGD individuals and the healthcare system to improve access to culturally safe cancer screening and more effective prevention of cancer and poor cancer outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE APNs have the potential to improve access to cancer screening for TGD people by increasing their understanding of the needs of the population, providing culturally safe care, and advocating for more preventative care and cancer screening. With greater knowledge and understanding of the needs and preferences of TGD people both broadly and in relation to cancer screening and prevention, targeted interventions and care approaches can be implemented. APNs should also aim to conduct evaluations and research into cancer prevention and screening to build the currently limited evidence base and nursing knowledge in this important field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Ziegler
- Associate Professor, Daphen Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Toni Slotnes-O'Brien
- Senior Lecture, UniSA Clinical & Health Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Micah D J Peters
- Associate Professor, UniSA Clinical & Health Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Lami A, Alvisi S, Siconolfi A, Seracchioli R, Meriggiola MC. Primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer among Italian AFAB transgender people. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 50:101103. [PMID: 38744064 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Currently, available data on preventive measures for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer in the transgender assigned female at birth (AFAB) community are extremely limited. Our aim was to analyze adherence to primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention screening programs among transgender AFAB people attending our gender clinic. METHODS Transgender AFAB people attending our center were recruited. Anamnestic data were collected for each person through completion of a medical history form and medical records. Variables recorded included previous HPV vaccination, adherence to regional screening programs (Pap smear or HPV DNA test), subject age, duration of current or prior gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and whether gender affirmation surgery (GAS) with hysterectomy had been performed. Open questions regarding reasons for not undergoing screening tests were also included. RESULTS In this cross-sectional study, 263 AFAB transgender people were included, with a mean age of 30.6 ± 10.5 years. GAS with hysterectomy had been performed on 37.6 % of these people. Of our participants, 71.7 % who were born after 1998 (the first cohort to receive HPV vaccination invitations in Italy) had been vaccinated for HPV. Seventy-four-point-nine percent of participants who were still eligible for cervical screening had never undergone Pap smear or HPV DNA testing, whereas those who had undergone at least one cervical screening had done so on average 4.2 ± 4.5 years ago. CONCLUSION HPV vaccination prevalence in the AFAB transgender population born after 1998 is in line with the Italian AFAB general population. However, adherence to cervical cancer screening programs in the transgender AFAB population appears to be lower in comparison to the cisgender population. Further efforts are required from the medical community to enhance AFAB transgender people's adherence to HPV vaccination and to cervical screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Lami
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Alvisi
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Siconolfi
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Meriggiola
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Panichella JC, Araya S, Nannapaneni S, Robinson SG, You S, Gubara SM, Gebreyesus MT, Webster T, Patel SA, Hamidian Jahromi A. Cancer screening and management in the transgender population: Review of literature and special considerations for gender affirmation surgery. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:265-284. [PMID: 37583948 PMCID: PMC10424092 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i7.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature focused on cancer screening and management is lacking in the transgender population. AIM To action to increase contributions to the scientific literature that drives the creation of cancer screening and management protocols for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) patients. METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed on January 5th, 2022, with the following terms: "TGNC", OR "transgender", OR "gender non-conforming", OR "gender nonbinary" AND "cancer screening", AND "breast cancer", AND "cervical cancer", AND "uterine cancer", AND "ovarian cancer", AND "prostate cancer", AND "testicular cancer", AND "surveillance", AND "follow-up", AND "management". 70 unique publications were used. The findings are discussed under "Screening" and "Management" categories. RESULTS Screening: Current cancer screening recommendations default to cis-gender protocols. However, long-term gender-affirming hormone therapy and loss to follow-up from the gender-specific specialties contribute to a higher risk for cancer development and possible delayed detection. The only known screening guidelines made specifically for this population are from the American College of Radiology for breast cancer. Management: Prior to undergoing Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS), discussion should address cancer screening and management in the organs remaining in situ. Cancer treatment in this population requires consideration for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and/or reconstruction. Modification of hormone therapy is decided on a case-by-case basis. The use of prophylactic vs aesthetic techniques in surgery is still debated. CONCLUSION When assessing transgender individuals for GAS, a discussion on the future oncologic risk of the sex-specific organs remaining in situ is essential. Cancer management in this population requires a multidisciplinary approach while the care should be highly individualized with considerations to social, medical, surgical and gender affirming surgery related specifications. Special considerations have to be made during planning for GAS as surgery will alter the anatomy and may render the organ difficult to sample for screening purposes. A discussion with the patient regarding the oncologic risk of remaining organs is imperative prior to GAS. Other special considerations to screening such as the conscious or unconscious will to unassociated with their remaining organs is also a key point to address. We currently lack high quality studies pertinent to the cancer topic in the gender affirmation literature. Further research is required to ensure more comprehensive and individualized care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet C Panichella
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Sthefano Araya
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
| | - Siddhartha Nannapaneni
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
| | - Samuel G Robinson
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Susan You
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Sarah M Gubara
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Maria T Gebreyesus
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Theresa Webster
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 18045, United States
| | - Sameer A Patel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
| | - Alireza Hamidian Jahromi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Temple University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
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Brewer N, Foliaki S, Gray M, Potter JD, Douwes J. Pasifika women's knowledge and perceptions of cervical-cancer screening and the implementation of self-testing in Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 28:100551. [PMID: 35991536 PMCID: PMC9389298 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pasifika women have a higher rate of cervical cancer incidence and mortality than European/Other women and a lower screening rate. Despite actions to reduce the barriers, there has been little change in screening coverage for Pasifika women since 2007. Novel strategies are therefore required. Persistent cervical infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancers and HPV testing will be implemented in Aotearoa in 2023, with women being able to choose to self-test. We undertook a qualitative focus group (FG) study with Pasifika women to explore their perspectives on the barriers to, and facilitators of, HPV self-testing and how best to implement this in Aotearoa. METHODS A trained female Pasifika Research Assistant facilitated participant recruitment and the FGs. Eligible participants self-identified as Pasifika, were aged 30-69 years, in the Wellington area, who had never been screened or who were overdue (≥5 years) for cervical-cancer screening. Recruitment was predominantly through Pasifika key-informant networks and in collaboration with Pasifika primary care providers. Participants were offered face-to-face FGs but, due to occasional Covid-19 restrictions and personal preferences, FGs via Zoom were also used. The FGs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The FG transcripts were thematically analysed. FINDINGS Seven FGs were conducted with 24 participants. We identified five main themes around barriers and potential facilitators of HPV self-testing in Pasifika women: 1) perceptions and knowledge of cervical-cancer screening; 2) challenges to engaging in organised cervical screening; 3) perceptions of self-testing for HPV and challenges women face when deciding to self-test; 4) enthusiasm for an HPV self-test; and 5) information and communication. Knowledge about cervical cancer and screening varied considerably among participants, with some never having heard about cervical-cancer screening. The main challenges that were raised were personal privacy and confidentiality and time management. There was consensus around the need for adequate, consistent, and accurate accessible information to boost the confidence of women undertaking self-testing. In general, the participants were eager for self-testing to be made available soon. This was accompanied by the need for the promotion and implementation of self-testing to include a collective/community approach consistent with Pasifika worldviews. INTERPRETATION Although participants were enthusiastic about HPV self-testing, multi-level and interacting barriers exist to participation by Pasifika women in HPV self-testing. Implementation of self-testing in Aotearoa New Zealand should be accompanied by clear information about the entire process, using culturally appropriate tailored educational campaigns in different Pasifika languages. FUNDING The study was supported by the Collaboration for Cancer Research Aotearoa New Zealand (CCR).
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Joung RHS, Nelson H, Mullett TW, Kurtzman SH, Shafir S, Harris JB, Yao KA, Brajcich BC, Bilimoria KY, Cance WG. A national quality improvement study identifying and addressing cancer screening deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer 2022; 128:2119-2125. [PMID: 35307815 PMCID: PMC9086125 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related deaths over the next decade are expected to increase due to cancer screening deficits associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although national deficits have been quantified, a structured response to identifying and addressing local deficits has not been widely available. The objectives of this report are to share preliminary data on monthly screening deficits in breast, colorectal, lung, and cervical cancers across diverse settings and to provide online materials from a national quality improvement (QI) study to help other institutions to address local screening deficits. METHODS This prospective, national QI study on Return-to-Screening enrolled 748 accredited cancer programs in the United States from April through June 2021. Local prepandemic and pandemic monthly screening test volumes (MTVs) were used to calculate the relative percent change in MTV to describe the monthly screening gap. RESULTS The majority of facilities reported monthly screening deficits (colorectal cancer, 80.6% [n = 104/129]; cervical cancer, 69.0% [n = 20/29]; breast cancer, 55.3% [n = 241/436]; lung cancer, 44.6% [n = 98/220]). Overall, the median relative percent change in MTV ranged from -17.7% for colorectal cancer (interquartile range [IQR], -33.6% to -2.8%), -6.8% for cervical cancer (IQR, -29.4% to 1.7%), -1.6% for breast cancer (IQR, -9.6% to 7.0%), and 1.2% for lung cancer (IQR, -16.9% to 19.0%). Geographic differences were not observed. There were statistically significant differences in the percent change in MTV between institution types for colorectal cancer screening (P = .02). CONCLUSION Cancer screening is still in need of urgent attention, and the screening resources made available online may help facilities to close critical gaps and address screenings missed in 2020. LAY SUMMARY Question: How can the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on cancer screening be mitigated? FINDINGS When national resources were provided, including methods to calculate local screening deficits, 748 cancer programs promptly enrolled in a national Return-to-Screening study, and the majority identified local screening deficits, most notably in colorectal cancer. Using these results, 814 quality improvement projects were initiated with the potential to add 70,000 screening tests in 2021. Meaning: Cancer screening is still in need of urgent attention, and the online resources that we provide may help to close critical screening deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hae-Soo Joung
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heidi Nelson
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Timothy W. Mullett
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Scott H. Kurtzman
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, Chicago, IL, USA
- Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, CT, USA
| | | | - James B. Harris
- American College of Surgeons Cancer Programs, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada
| | - Katharine A. Yao
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, Chicago, IL, USA
- NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Brian C. Brajcich
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karl Y. Bilimoria
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA
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Pang SS, Murphy M, Markham MJ. Current Management of Locally Advanced and Metastatic Cervical Cancer in the United States. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:417-422. [PMID: 35286157 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decreases in incidence in the twentieth century, cervical cancer continues to be a highly morbid disease in the United States. For those diagnosed with locally advanced disease, single-agent cisplatin-based chemotherapy concurrent with radiation remains the mainstay of treatment. For patients with metastatic, progressive, and recurrent disease, treatment typically consists of combination chemotherapy and incorporation of bevacizumab, and recent data show benefits with the addition of upfront immunotherapy in women whose cancer expresses programmed death ligand-1. The physical sequelae of locally advanced cervical cancer treatments stem largely from irradiation of the pelvis, and treatment of these is aimed at identifying reversible or treatable causes of symptoms and palliating those with irreversible causes. From a psychologic standpoint, patients with cervical cancer face the stigma of having a preventable cancer caused by a sexually transmitted infection and the ramifications of sexual dysfunction. Clinicians must invite honest dialogue to be able to address specific survivorship issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Sarah Pang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Martina Murphy
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Merry J Markham
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
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Adcock A, Stevenson K, Cram F, MacDonald EJ, Geller S, Hermens J, Lawton B. He Tapu Te Whare Tangata (sacred house of humanity): Under-screened Māori women talk about HPV self-testing cervical screening clinical pathways. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 155:275-281. [PMID: 34382217 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an in-depth understanding of HPV self-testing cervical screening clinical pathways for never-/under-screened Māori women. METHODS Based on a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial in Aotearoa (New Zealand), a Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) qualitative study enrolled Māori women who met the eligibility criteria of the HPV trial intervention (aged 25-69 years, no screen in >4 years). In total, 28 were recruited (22 had a negative test, six had a positive test and colposcopy). They were asked about their clinical pathway. RESULTS The HPV self-test was seen as empowering and promoting bodily autonomy, although some women expressed fears or misconceptions about this new technology. While those with a negative test were relieved, for the six women who had a positive test, there were many fears, compounded by seeking out information on the Internet. When attending colposcopy, the importance of support and responsive care was emphasized. CONCLUSION HPV self-testing has the potential to improve access to cervical screening and reduce inequities for Māori. Care must be taken in the delivery of screening and colposcopy results. Primary care and colposcopy services need to take special care with never-/under-screened Māori women to provide sensitive, responsive care, and mitigate trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adcock
- Te Tātai Hauora o Hine Centre for Women's Health Research, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Kendall Stevenson
- Te Tātai Hauora o Hine Centre for Women's Health Research, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand.,The Dragon Institute for Innovation, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Fiona Cram
- Katoa Ltd., Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Evelyn Jane MacDonald
- Te Tātai Hauora o Hine Centre for Women's Health Research, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Stacie Geller
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Research on Women and Gender, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jordanna Hermens
- Te Tātai Hauora o Hine Centre for Women's Health Research, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Beverley Lawton
- Te Tātai Hauora o Hine Centre for Women's Health Research, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
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Ramos-Pibernus A, Carminelli-Corretjer P, Bermonti-Pérez M, Tollinchi-Natali N, Jiménez-Ricaurte C, Mejías-Serrano D, Silva-Reteguis J, Moreta-Ávila F, Blanco M, Justiz L, Febo M, Rivera-Segarra E. Examining Cervical Cancer Preventive Behaviors for Latinx Transmasculine Individuals among Medical Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18030851. [PMID: 33498187 PMCID: PMC7863948 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Latinx transmasculine men (LTM) can be at a particularly high risk for cervical cancer as they lie at the intersection of two health disparity populations (gender and ethnic minorities). Previous research using self-report measures has documented how negative interactions with providers are a key barrier for cervical cancer screening among LTM. However, no research to date has examined, via direct observation, cervical cancer preventive behaviors in clinical interactions with LTM. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine cervical cancer preventive behaviors in clinical interactions between medical students and an LTM. The team implemented standardized patient simulations (simulations of clinical interactions with actors portraying the role of a patient), self-report measures, and observational techniques. A total of 37 medical students participated in the study. The results were mixed with some key behaviors neglected (i.e., asking if the patient preferred to collect the HPV test sample by himself), while others were enacted (i.e., checking family history of cervical cancer). Further research is needed to better understand behaviors in clinical interactions with LTM as well as how to improve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alíxida Ramos-Pibernus
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-787-840-2575
| | - Paola Carminelli-Corretjer
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Mario Bermonti-Pérez
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Coral Jiménez-Ricaurte
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | | | | | | | - Malynie Blanco
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Lellanes Justiz
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Marta Febo
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
| | - Eliut Rivera-Segarra
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce 00732, Puerto Rico; (P.C.-C.); (M.B.-P.); (N.T.-N.); (C.J.-R.); (M.B.); (L.J.); (M.F.); (E.R.-S.)
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Cohen MA, Powell AM, Coleman JS, Keller JM, Livingston A, Anderson JR. Special ambulatory gynecologic considerations in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and implications for future practice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:372-378. [PMID: 32522513 PMCID: PMC7832936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has altered medical practice in unprecedented ways. Although much of the emphasis in obstetrics and gynecology to date has been on the as yet uncertain effects of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy and on changes to surgical management, the pandemic has broad implications for ambulatory gynecologic care. In this article, we review important ambulatory gynecologic topics such as safety and mental health, reproductive life planning, sexually transmitted infections, and routine screening for breast and cervical cancer. For each topic, we review how care may be modified during the pandemic, provide recommendations when possible on how to ensure continued access to comprehensive healthcare at this time, and discuss ways that future practice may change. Social distancing requirements may place patients at higher risk for intimate partner violence and mental health concerns, threaten continued access to contraception and abortion services, affect prepregnancy planning, interrupt routine screening for breast and cervical cancer, increase risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition and decrease access to treatment, and exacerbate already underlying racial and minority disparities in care and health outcomes. We advocate for increased use of telemedicine services with increased screening for intimate partner violence and depression using validated questionnaires. Appointments for long-acting contraceptive insertions can be prioritized. Easier access to patient-controlled injectable contraception and pharmacist-provided hormonal contraception can be facilitated. Reproductive healthcare access can be ensured through reducing needs for ultrasonography and laboratory testing for certain eligible patients desiring abortion and conducting phone follow-up for medication abortions. Priority for in-person appointments should be given to patients with sexually transmitted infection symptoms, particularly if at risk for complications, while also offering expedited partner therapy. Although routine mammography screening and cervical cancer screening may be safely delayed, we discuss society guideline recommendations for higher-risk populations. There may be an increasing role for patient-collected human papillomavirus self-samples using new cervical cancer screening guidelines that can be expanded considering the pandemic situation. Although the pandemic has strained our healthcare system, it also affords ambulatory clinicians with opportunities to expand care to vulnerable populations in ways that were previously underutilized to improve health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Cohen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins HIV Women's Health Program, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Anna M Powell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins HIV Women's Health Program, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jenell S Coleman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins HIV Women's Health Program, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jean M Keller
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins HIV Women's Health Program, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alison Livingston
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins HIV Women's Health Program, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jean R Anderson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins HIV Women's Health Program, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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