Ameliorating the Obstacle of Pap Smear
Ameliorating the Obstacle of Pap Smear
To reduce the procedural pain of Pap smear, this study expects to apply the peak-end rule to
 Pap smear by prolonging the insertion of speculum after samples are obtained from the cervix.
 This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled study at a tertiary center, National
 Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). The investigators expect to compare the recalled pain
 intensity of the intervention and control groups.
Purpose: In order to reduce the procedural pain, this study expects to apply the peak-end
 rule to Pap smear by prolonging the insertion of speculum after samples are obtained from the
 cervix. Methods: This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled study at NTUH.
 Approximately 200 subjects are expected to be recruited. The investigators will utilize the
 peak-end rule by adding a non-painful step right after the most uncomfortable phase in the
 intervention group. All study subjects are requested to score on a numeric pain scale during
 the Pap test. The primary outcome was the recalled pain intensity within five minutes after
 the Pap smear test.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Biological female

 -  Aged 30-70

 -  Provision of written informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of pelvic or vaginal surgery, active infectious gynecologic complaint, prior
 intervention for abnormal cervical cytology

 -  Incapable of understanding the numeric pain scale

 -  Incapable of communicating in Chinese, English, or Taiwanese

 -  Prior cervical cancer diagnosis

 -  Prior hysterectomy

 -  Pregnant women