Patient acceptance and the psychological effects of women experiencing telecolposcopy and colposcopy.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to assess patient acceptance and psychological effects in women experiencing telecolposcopy compared with colposcopy. METHODS Convenience samples of 150 and 263 women scheduled for colposcopy or telecolposcopy, respectively, completed questionnaires assessing anxiety (Prime MD), depression [Center for Epidemiologic Studies/Depressed Mood Scale (CES-D)], health beliefs and concerns, coping style (Miller Behavioral Style Score) and examination acceptance and satisfaction. Test scores and subject responses were compared using the t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS Mean scores representing mild anxiety (1.3 and 1.2, P =.7) and mild depression (35.4 and 36.3, P =.4) were reported for the telecolposcopy and colposcopy groups, respectively. The telecolposcopy group indicated significantly greater mean scores for the examination, saving them time and money compared with the colposcopy group. Women in both groups were highly satisfied with their examinations and care. CONCLUSIONS In general, women reported very high levels of satisfaction with telecolposcopy and colposcopy. Potential savings of time and money and improved health care were considered of particular value to women examined by telecolposcopy. Telecolposcopy seems to be well accepted by rural women.