Evaluation of a Portable Gynecological Examination Table on Increasing Access to Cervical Cancer Screenings

Authors

Brennan Burrows, Wayne State University School of MedicineFollow
Giuliana Motta, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Vibhasri Davuluri, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Urvee Deo, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Aman Tahir, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Brindha Rajakumar, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Jacob Blumenstein, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Eliza Steinberg, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Mariam Tobia, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Asmita Tuladhar, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Abigail Ahn, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow

Research Mentor Name

Kenneth Alfano

Research Mentor Email Address

kalfano@umich.edu

Institution / Department

University of Michigan - Department of Biomedical Engineering

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

womenshealth

Level of Research

no

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a preventable disease affecting millions of women worldwide, with higher prevalence and mortality in developing countries. One explanation of this disparity is due to reduced access to screenings, especially in rural communities where mobile health clinics are limited by what medical equipment they can bring. To address these barriers, an engineering team called Project MESA (Making Examinations Safe and Accessible) designed a gynecological examination table that is portable, lightweight, and easily sanitizable.

Objective: This study aims to (1) evaluate whether the implementation of this device improves the clinician’s ability to perform pap smears as opposed to alternative surfaces, and (2) investigate the impact on patients’ comfort with cervical cancer screening.

Methods: Two gynecological exam tables are being used by a partner organization with clinics in Perú and Nicaragua. Since September of 2022, 42 responses have been recorded. Using clinician and patient questionnaires that were developed based on field observations, the team will perform a mixed methods analysis to compare clinician and patient preferences on the new device versus alternative surfaces.

Results: Preliminary data may support greater clinician and patient satisfaction with the new device, but cannot be statistically confirmed yet due to ongoing data collection. Results that can be discussed are dynamic testing on the gynecological table which supported safety through 15,600 uses and positive feedback from many clinicians and international partners.

Conclusion: This project provides a construct to address barriers to cervical cancer screenings, with more quantitative results becoming available soon.

Disciplines

Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation | International Public Health | Maternal and Child Health | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Women's Health

Recommended Citation

Burrows, Brennan; Motta, Giuliana; Davuluri, Vibhasri; Deo, Urvee; Tahir, Aman; Rajakumar, Brindha; Blumenstein, Jacob; Steinberg, Eliza; Tobia, Mariam; Tuladhar, Asmita; and Ahn, Abigail, "Evaluation of a Portable Gynecological Examination Table on Increasing Access to Cervical Cancer Screenings" (2023). Medical Student Research Symposium. 269.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/som_srs/269

Comments

We would like to thank all of our team's alumni for their contributions to this project, Professors Kenneth Alfano and Randy Schwemmin for their mentorship, and our partner clinics for their continued engagement and feedback.