Quality Corner

What is “Quality Health Care”?

“Quality” has been defined by the Institute of Medicine. “The degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.” What a mouthful! Simply, it’s the best health care that can be given at the right time, at the right place, that’s right for each person!

What does that have to do with the Community Strength Project (CSP)?    

The CSP, along with physicians and nurses, strive everyday to review the care that is given. This is done to ensure that patients get the best quality health care.

Who decides what is considered “Quality Health Care?”

CSP looks to the experts to help us understand quality health care. Many times, there are “standards”, which are like road maps to good health care. Usually, the experts have proof that the treatment will result in better health.

So what is CSP’s Quality Corner?

Every other month, CSP will write about a health care topic. CSP will talk about the what, where, when and how, and how the quality of care is evaluated. Please talk to your doctor about these topics.

 Topic 1: Pap Smears and HIV      

What is a Pap smear?

A pap smear is a way to look at cells taken from a woman’s cervix. The pap test is  used to look for cell changes in the cervix. Changes may show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer. It is the best way to find out pre-cancerous conditions and small tumors that may lead to cervical cancer. If detected early,  cervical cancer can be cured.

What about if you have HIV?

Having a pap smear done if you are HIV+ is very important! Since problems are more common among HIV+ women, it is important to have pap smears!

Why should a woman have a pap smear? 

This should happen when a woman is first diagnosed with HIV or when they are first pregnant.  They should then have another pap smear 6 months later.  When tests show normal results, then yearly screening is recommended.  If a pap smear is “abnormal” then another test should be done in 3 months.  Ask your doctor for your Pap smear results.

How is a Pap smear performed?

The Pap smear is done during a pelvic exam.  A doctor uses a device called a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina so that the cervix can be examined.  A plastic spatula and small brush are used to collect cells from the cervix.  After the cells are taken, they are treated with a stain, which highlights abnormal cells. The solution is sent to a lab for testing.

It may take several weeks to get the test results. If you don’t hear from your doctor’s office after a few weeks, call them!

Is a Pap smear painful?

A Pap smear is not painful, but the pelvic exam may be a little uncomfortable.

Who tracks pap smears?

MIHS has a clinic called McDowell Healthcare Center (MHCC) that sees patients. MHCC staff track when a pap smears is done and when another one is due.

MHCC has caring health care workers who encourage women to have Pap smears. The clinic dedicates each Thursday to treating female clients.  Childcare is offered on Thursdays.

We want all women get regular pap smears!  For more information, please contact MHCC at 602-344-6550. Or you can call Lorraine Brown, MIHS Family Advocate, at    602-344-2627.

References:  www.hrsa.gov/publications/womencare05 www.women.webmd.com/guide/sexual-health-pap-smear  www.thebody.com/wa/winter98-99

Last updated on October 7, 2008