Cervical cytology and other screening methods among women admitted to the medical intensive care unit.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine whether routine gynecologic screening is obtained for women admitted to a medical intensive care unit in a large tertiary medical center and whether this history is used to document and update screening for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 65 women admitted to the medical intensive care units of Harper Hospital or Detroit Receiving Hospital of the Detroit Medical Center over a period of one month. RESULTS: None of the patients eligible for cervical cytology and pelvic examination had these issues addressed in the intake history or had any of the reviewed examinations done or planned for after discharge from intensive care. CONCLUSIONS: Admission to intensive care is an opportunity to assess and update routine gynecologic health screening. This important function is not routinely addressed in the medical records of women admitted to intensive care.