@@ A Gynecologist Asked Women How To Design His New Office.

[Jalapeñomel]

I thought this was a pretty interesting discussion that went viral.

Added @@ for some discussion of IF and pregnancy.

“Another physician, urogynecologist Dr. Ryan Stewart, has gone viral for asking women, trans and nonbinary people who need gynecological care how they'd redesign their gynecologist's office, if given the opportunity. Stewart is launching his own practice, Midwest Pelvis, in Indianapolis in early 2022.”

www.lx.com/social-justice/a-gynecologist-asked-women-how-to-design-his-new-office-the-answers-are-so-on-point/45960/

[cville]

Based on the subject, I thought this may be a story about a sexist jerk who asked a patient "which shade of mauve do you prefer" while wielding a speculum. Boy was the actual article a pleasant surprise.

[hocus2]

I would say all exam rooms should have seating for a guest. On more than one occasion I've had someone with me who had no place to sit and had to stand or sit on the exam table with me. I would also say having a mirror available would be helpful if showing that you're doing is helpful. I think for first time patients it might be particularly helpful.

[ellipses84]

#1 - Don’t call it Midwest Pelvis.

I’ve moved around a lot and seen a lot of doctors. From my personal experience:
2 guest chairs near the head of the exam table. A changing area with a place to keep your clothes would be nice. Also make sure there are clear directions for de-robing / gowns (top, bottom, all, backwards?) and urine samples. Avoid awkward moments for patients as much as possible!

There are exam tables that are more like big chairs that the can recline and raise/ lower with user control in reach so they are easier to get on / off.

I like windows with views but make sure there’s easy to use blinds in case there’s a construction crew on the roof of the building across the street.

Have a nice ceiling. My old gynecologist had posters of shirtless dudes like Channing Tatum and puppies on the ceiling but he had a weird sense of humor and that’s not inclusive. There are other options, like backlit nature scenes or nice light fixtures, instead of a nasty old grid ceiling and fluorescent lighting.

Soundproof rooms and have a call button/ light. Have a computer screen arm that allows Drs to share what they are viewing with patients.

A nice, uncluttered office for longer consultations.

[notsopicky]

Interesting article.

I got my first mammogram this past summer, after putting it off b/c of the pandemic. It was at my local hospital center where I @@had my son. I was so impressed with the organization, layout, design, etc. of the women's radiology department--dressing areas, bags for your clothes, gowns that actually fit, plus directions for how to wear it, the works. SO impressed, that I sent an email to the VP of customer service thanking them for all of the accommodations. I was already having a really hard time that day (my mother is a breast cancer survivor) and those things just made it that much more bearable. It was that series of little things that helped me that day.

[VillainV]

Dec 6, 2021 20:23:19 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

Interesting article.

I got my first mammogram this past summer, after putting it off b/c of the pandemic. It was at my local hospital center where I @@had my son. I was so impressed with the organization, layout, design, etc. of the women's radiology department--dressing areas, bags for your clothes, gowns that actually fit, plus directions for how to wear it, the works. SO impressed, that I sent an email to the VP of customer service thanking them for all of the accommodations. I was already having a really hard time that day (my mother is a breast cancer survivor) and those things just made it that much more bearable. It was that series of little things that helped me that day.

Ditto! I just had my annual mammogram, and the room they use is very nicely decorated with a cubby for your clothes, super-soft gown, and even a soft cover for the bottom plate so it’s not super-cold on your boob. And since they ask patients not to wear deodorant or lotion, they have little trial sizes so you can apply as you get dressed if needed. And the whole thing was super-fast, like 7-8 minutes.

[Jalapeñomel]

Dec 6, 2021 20:41:44 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Dec 6, 2021 20:23:19 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

Interesting article.

I got my first mammogram this past summer, after putting it off b/c of the pandemic. It was at my local hospital center where I @@had my son. I was so impressed with the organization, layout, design, etc. of the women's radiology department--dressing areas, bags for your clothes, gowns that actually fit, plus directions for how to wear it, the works. SO impressed, that I sent an email to the VP of customer service thanking them for all of the accommodations. I was already having a really hard time that day (my mother is a breast cancer survivor) and those things just made it that much more bearable. It was that series of little things that helped me that day.

Ditto! I just had my annual mammogram, and the room they use is very nicely decorated with a cubby for your clothes, super-soft gown, and even a soft cover for the bottom plate so it’s not super-cold on your boob. And since they ask patients not to wear deodorant or lotion, they have little trial sizes so you can apply as you get dressed if needed. And the whole thing was super-fast, like 7-8 minutes.

It’s amazing how a little compassion goes a long way.

[arehopsveggies]

Bathrooms attached to exam rooms are lovely. I had one Dr where I started wearing loose dresses and refusing the gown, becuase id get undressed, be ignored for an hour, and of course need to pee.

My primary care now operates out of an old house, so one exam room has an attached bathroom because it was originally the master bedroom

[winecat]

Dec 6, 2021 19:46:59 GMT -5 ellipses84 said:

#1 - Don’t call it Midwest Pelvis.

I’ve moved around a lot and seen a lot of doctors. From my personal experience:
2 guest chairs near the head of the exam table. A changing area with a place to keep your clothes would be nice. Also make sure there are clear directions for de-robing / gowns (top, bottom, all, backwards?) and urine samples. Avoid awkward moments for patients as much as possible!

There are exam tables that are more like big chairs that the can recline and raise/ lower with user control in reach so they are easier to get on / off.

I like windows with views but make sure there’s easy to use blinds in case there’s a construction crew on the roof of the building across the street.

Have a nice ceiling. My old gynecologist had posters of shirtless dudes like Channing Tatum and puppies on the ceiling but he had a weird sense of humor and that’s not inclusive. There are other options, like backlit nature scenes or nice light fixtures, instead of a nasty old grid ceiling and fluorescent lighting.

Soundproof rooms and have a call button/ light. Have a computer screen arm that allows Drs to share what they are viewing with patients.

A nice, uncluttered office for longer consultations.

Midwest Pelvis is a bit awkward but is pretty inclusive which is awesome.  I wonder if he got the name via feedback from patients who need gynecological care but haven't felt comfortable in, going to, or even calling a more traditional and exclusionary sounding gyno office?  

[imojoebunny]

Dec 6, 2021 20:41:44 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Dec 6, 2021 20:23:19 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

 And the whole thing was super-fast, like 7-8 minutes.

I am crying with jealousy!  I have those lumpy breast that are hard for radiologist, so I have had to go every 6 months for most of the last 10 years, and also, have to go to the higher level breast imaging center, or they just refer me there for follow up.  Last time, they called me 10 minutes before I was suppose to leave for my appointment and told me there would be a 1.5 hour delay, but I still needed to be on time for my appointment.  I seriously think someone, not the person calling me, needed to be kicked in the teeth for that.  

[rubytue]

. Also make sure there are clear directions for de-robing / gowns (top, bottom, all, backwards?) 

ellipses84, yes! I can tell you how many times they’ve handed me a gown, told me which way it goes, then leave the room and by the time I’ve taken my shirt off, I’m like what?! Which way?

[RoxMonster]

Yes to having gowns in larger sizes. One gyno I went to had nice large gowns that covered me completely, but the new doc I went to even gave me their "bigger" size, and it did not close completely. It was really uncomfortable and embarrassing and I had to use the smaller gown that was still sitting out to lay over top of me so I wasn't like naked when the doctor came in.

[macmars45]

Yes to the larger sized gowns! When I went in for my annual exam last summer my smaller gown size split in half. I made do but was really uncomfortable the whole time. When the nurse re-entered the room I mentioned it broke. I wasn't offered another cover or anything. They just moved on like it was fine.

[marcyiam]

Dec 6, 2021 21:19:50 GMT -5 winecat said:

Dec 6, 2021 19:46:59 GMT -5 ellipses84 said:

#1 - Don’t call it Midwest Pelvis.

I’ve moved around a lot and seen a lot of doctors. From my personal experience:
2 guest chairs near the head of the exam table. A changing area with a place to keep your clothes would be nice. Also make sure there are clear directions for de-robing / gowns (top, bottom, all, backwards?) and urine samples. Avoid awkward moments for patients as much as possible!

There are exam tables that are more like big chairs that the can recline and raise/ lower with user control in reach so they are easier to get on / off.

I like windows with views but make sure there’s easy to use blinds in case there’s a construction crew on the roof of the building across the street.

Have a nice ceiling. My old gynecologist had posters of shirtless dudes like Channing Tatum and puppies on the ceiling but he had a weird sense of humor and that’s not inclusive. There are other options, like backlit nature scenes or nice light fixtures, instead of a nasty old grid ceiling and fluorescent lighting.

Soundproof rooms and have a call button/ light. Have a computer screen arm that allows Drs to share what they are viewing with patients.

A nice, uncluttered office for longer consultations.

Midwest Pelvis is a bit awkward but is pretty inclusive which is awesome.  I wonder if he got the name via feedback from patients who need gynecological care but haven't felt comfortable in, going to, or even calling a more traditional and exclusionary sounding gyno office?  

Related - in one of his reply tweets he listed to full name: Midwest Center for Pelvic Health
And that he did name it with inclusivity in mind.

[mouse]

Some sort of signaling system for when you’re changing. I’ve had doctors wait way longer than necessary to come in and others try and bust in when I’m still getting my top off. Just a simple “turn this when you’re ready” would be great.

[marcyiam]

Dec 6, 2021 22:35:03 GMT -5 mouse said:

Some sort of signaling system for when you’re changing. I’ve had doctors wait way longer than necessary to come in and others try and bust in when I’m still getting my top off. Just a simple “turn this when you’re ready” would be great.

Mine has a button you push when you're ready and it notifies them it's ok to come in. So much less stressful than racing to change hoping you beat them, for example.

[Susie]

I like the idea of something to look at on the ceiling.  My dentist's office does that, and I find it really nice to have anything, literally anything else to focus on.

I personally prefer fabric gowns over paper.  I would also love a place to set my purse that's in reaching distance of the exam table.  Sometimes I keep lists of things to ask on my phone, or use it to kill time waiting, and it would be nice to have a place to set it without getting up off the exam table.

[Jalapeñomel]

Dec 6, 2021 22:35:03 GMT -5 mouse said:

Some sort of signaling system for when you’re changing. I’ve had doctors wait way longer than necessary to come in and others try and bust in when I’m still getting my top off. Just a simple “turn this when you’re ready” would be great.

This is something they mention in the article about flipping a switch when you’re done changing.

[ellipses84]

Dec 6, 2021 22:26:25 GMT -5 marcyiam said:

Dec 6, 2021 21:19:50 GMT -5 winecat said:

Midwest Pelvis is a bit awkward but is pretty inclusive which is awesome.  I wonder if he got the name via feedback from patients who need gynecological care but haven't felt comfortable in, going to, or even calling a more traditional and exclusionary sounding gyno office?  

Related - in one of his reply tweets he listed to full name: Midwest Center for Pelvic Health
And that he did name it with inclusivity in mind.

The whole name is way better! I just didn’t like the nickname and my issue isn’t pelvis or pelvic….more like the directionality of it…as opposed to my northeast pelvis? 😆

[sent]

I'm impressed he is opening a practice from scratch to be able to think ahead and do all of this for his future patients. My friends in medicine say hardly anyone opens practices anymore.

[rubytue]

Dec 6, 2021 22:35:03 GMT -5 mouse said:

Some sort of signaling system for when you’re changing. I’ve had doctors wait way longer than necessary to come in and others try and bust in when I’m still getting my top off. Just a simple “turn this when you’re ready” would be great.

Most places I’ve been have said to unlatch the door. I was in last Friday and they didn’t tell me that, but I did it anyway and they came in shortly afterward. 

[woowoo]

I appreciate the ask and the responses, but no amount of comfort will change how demoralizing and stressful it is to be left in an exam room without your clothes on for a lengthy amount of time waiting on the Dr. Please, just leave me in the waiting room until the Dr. is ACTUALLY ready for me.

TW: The comment about the separate waiting rooms really stuck a nerve. I'll never forget when I was going in for a consult with a regular OB/GYN for a D&C because my fertility doc couldn't get me in fast enough and they swept me past the waiting room and into an exam room with zero sensitive materials so I didn't have to deal with anything else.

[underwaterrhymes]

When I had my first breast biopsy, it was at a different facility than I currently use. I love my physicians, but this facility was amazing. They gave me a little teddy bear to clutch during the procedure that volunteers had hand-sewn. It was a really nice touch.

[beerlover]

Dec 7, 2021 12:34:41 GMT -5 woowoo said:

I appreciate the ask and the responses, but no amount of comfort will change how demoralizing and stressful it is to be left in an exam room without your clothes on for a lengthy amount of time waiting on the Dr. Please, just leave me in the waiting room until the Dr. is ACTUALLY ready for me.

I once waited an hour on the exam table wearing a gown. I was certain they forgot about me. I finally called the front desk from my cell phone and asked if anyone was ever coming back, b/c I had to go back to work. The doctor came in right away, lol.

[aspentosh]

It really is amazing the difference it makes when you feel like you're not just another number. Little touches matter and I loved a lot of the suggestions in the article.

[BlondeSpiders]

Dec 7, 2021 1:14:35 GMT -5 ellipses84 said:

Dec 6, 2021 22:26:25 GMT -5 marcyiam said:

Related - in one of his reply tweets he listed to full name: Midwest Center for Pelvic Health
And that he did name it with inclusivity in mind.

The whole name is way better! I just didn’t like the nickname and my issue isn’t pelvis or pelvic….more like the directionality of it…as opposed to my northeast pelvis? 😆

I was wondering if "midwest pelvis" was some kind of weird regional condition!

[Jalapeñomel]

[mention]wanderingback [/mention] As a doctor, have you noticed more doctors trying to make their experiences at the office more “friendly” (using that term loosely as it’s not really the word I’m looking for lol)?

[somersault72]

I loved the suggestion of scales not out in the open areas.

@@ when I was 4 days pp and being admitted through the ER for PP pre-e I some woman came in and I can't remember what she said she was for...registration or something but it was after I was already in an exam room and had already been started on Lasix. Anyway, we're sitting there and she's confirming DOB, address, etc and then she just yells out my weight right there in front of DH (I wasn't being weighed she was just reading it from my chart). Ma'am I don't even want to hear my weight. Don't come in someone's room and just start yelling out their weight in front of people without asking especially when their hormones are a damn mess.

[turboteal]

Love the thermostat in the room suggestion. Another option would be heated exam tables (or even just a heating pad over it/under the paper??), my mind was blown when I first lay on one of those at an acupuncture session a couple years ago.

[lilibet]

Reading through the responses on Twitter I was really surprised to see that it's not common to have at least a little curtained off area where you can disrobe/get dressed in where you aren't completely exposed to the room if someone opens the door. That should be a given. That said, something my office is lacking is that the space isn't very big, so it can be hard to move around in.

I like the idea of something pleasing to look at over the bed like a pretty picture of a beach or a meadow or something (shirtless men is weird). Mil had a colonoscopy recently and there was a screen over the light above the bed that had an image of an underwater scene on it. It's nicer to look at than the ceiling and, if you have someone in there with you, it gave us something to chat about during the awkward waiting time.