Lignocaine Liberation: Reclaiming Patient Centred Care During Emergency Department Speculum Examinations

2025/09/16 by H. A. Hughes · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Cultural Competency in Health Care #Historical Psychiatry and Medical Practices #Medical History and Innovations

paper · doi:10.1111/1742-6723.70139

openalex publication_date 2025/09/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

This article examines the importance of analgesia during speculum exams in the emergency department (ED). As ED physicians, we can promote a comprehensive approach to pelvic examinations and advocate for peri-procedural analgesia for these patients. Emergency doctors should routinely inquire about women's needs and address them before the speculum exam. I discuss which populations may experience heightened pain and explore both non-pharmacological and pharmacological options for pain relief. There is a paucity of ED-based research addressing this issue, which urgently requires attention. Ensuring equitable access to analgesia is a fundamental clinical obligation.

Discussions

• Analgesia during speculum exams in ED #Opinion doi.org/10.1111/1742... @wiley.com #MedSky #EMSky #EMedSky #emimcc #ACEM [bsky, 6 points, 0 comments]

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