Women's preferences of dynamic spectral imaging colposcopy

Background: The focus of testing the dynamic spectral imaging
(DSI) colposcope has been on the technical characteristics
and clinical performance. However, aspects from a patient’s
perspective are just as important. Methods: This study
was designed as a substudy of the DSI validation study, a
prospective comparative, multicenter clinical trial to assess
the clinical performance of DSI colposcopy. All women included
in this study were asked to complete two questionnaires:
a patient characteristics questionnaire and a patient
satisfaction questionnaire. Results: In the initial study a total
of 239 women were included in the intention-to-treat cohort.
Of these, 230 women (96.2%) completed both questionnaires.
When assessing the women’s preferences for
some of the possible uses of DSI colposcopy, a high level of
agreement was noted for all potential implementations. In
general, women found the additional time DSI colposcopy
took acceptable: just 15 women (6.5%) thought the time DSI
colposcopy took made them feel uncomfortable. Furthermore,
women ranked test accuracy as the most important
characteristic, followed by (more) rapid testing and comfort.
Quick notification of the results and costs were considered
the least important characteristics. Conclusion: Women are
willing to accept discomfort in the form of an additional or
longer test if there is clinical benefit.