Implications for clinical practice and research
The modified survey should be made readily visible (for example on the
BSGE website for download [https://www.bsge.org.uk]) and available
for use by OPH units to allow comparison and benchmarking. In this way,
areas of good practice can be highlighted, and explanations for
excellent performance explored and shared with the wider gynaecological
community. Conversely, areas of sub-optimal performance can be more
readily identified, enquiries instigated and remedial measures put in
place, such as rectifying staffing, infrastructure or equipment
deficiencies, changing appointment schedules, improving patient
information and offering additional clinician training, as appropriate.
The national survey should be repeated within the next 2 to 5 years to
evaluate whether the overall practice has improved as gauged from the
mean scores/responses acquired compared to the index survey conducted at
the end of 2019. Further work is needed to produce the OPH-PSS in other
languages to ensure that the experience of all the UK community is
obtained and to allow the use of the survey internationally enhancing
generalisability further and acquiring global perspectives. The OPH-PSS
should also be formatted electronically for completion to aid wider
dissemination.
The exploration of potential reasons behind the individual scores of
participating women was beyond the scope of this project. However,
qualitative research could be targeted at women reporting poor
experiences, especially relating to the experience of unacceptable pain
during hysteroscopy.