Better ob-gyn by design: Doc goes viral after asking Twitterverse how to improve his clinic

Thinking of renovating your gynecology clinic, or perhaps setting up an ob-gyn practice from scratch? You may want to borrow a few design notes from Dr. Ryan Stewart, who went viral on social media recently when he asked people how they would improve the gynecological experience. Here’s what they told him, as reported in an NBC Universal LX story. A public scale is a fail No one wants their weight taken in a place where other people could sneak a peek at the numbers, said one Twitter user. In fact, some patients may not even want to see what they weigh, and shouldn’t be forced to, said another. Others chimed in with the suggestion of taking weight only if necessary and allowing patients to opt out. Change the way patients change A common concern for patients is the risk of the doctor or another clinic staff walking in while they dress or undress. So why not install a light switch that lets patients signal that they’re done changing? Or better yet, install a change room in the exam room. “That little pile of clothing with undies that you have to place on a chair is demoralizing,” wrote one Twitter user. Warm up those stirrups One post suggested wood stirrups to eliminate that initial shock when flesh meets cold metal. Another described stirrup covers in her ob-gyn’s office printed with humorous text about the awkwardness of pap smears. And while on the subject of cold stirrups, it’s also a good idea to have adjustable thermostats in patient rooms, some Twitter users suggested. Build diversity into your clinic design One Twitter user observed that she’s never seen images of Black women in any of the gynecologists’ clinics she’s visited. Other users said equipment and gowns also tend to ignore the fact patients come in a range of sizes, so please buy them in the largest sizes. For patients who can’t get on exam tables by themselves, assistive devices such as ceiling lifts would be super helpful. Read: New Canadian guidelines for managing labour and delivery in persons with a physical disability Build a better layout How about an exam table positioned in a way that doesn’t have patients’ private parts angled towards the door? Or a clinic layout that ensures private conversations remain private? "No one should ever have to discuss any aspect of their care with anyone (I’m thinking nurse, receptionist) within earshot of other patients. Also, patients should not be able to listen to phone calls or dictation. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve heard while sitting," opined one Twitter user. Be sensitive to traumas and fertility issues Another Twitter user said she tenses up when she sees instruments that remind her of her IUD insertion. Another wrote about how excruciating it can be for patients struggling with infertility to be sitting in the waiting room with babies and expecting moms. Someone also suggested multiple waiting rooms—perhaps one for patients with kids, another for patients in their second or third trimester and one more for those in their first trimester or who have infertility issues or non-ob needs. Read: Tips on running a financially efficient clinic

Better ob-gyn by design: Doc goes viral after asking Twitterverse how to improve his clinic

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