A Review of Abnormal Pap Smear Follow Up in the Resident Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: The pap smear is a screening tool designed to reduce the incidence of invasive cervical cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer diagnosis has decreased by 50% from 1970 to 2010. This is largely accredited to pap smear screening, follow up colposcopy appropriate surgical treatment. The pap smear was performed annually for many years; however, in 2012 the guidelines changed to spaced screening pap smears. In our resident clinic we serve patients with barriers to health care. These barriers limit follow up for abnormal pap smears. This study aimed to identify the follow up rate after abnormal pap with colposcopy among resident continuity clinic patients. Methods: The patients with annual exams from resident clinic were collected from Jan 1st, 2023 to Jan 1st, 2024. Study Design: The pap smear results and follow up were reviewed. Results: During the year 2023, 402 patients presented to the resident continuity clinic for annual exams. Pap smears were obtained in 82% of our annuals and 12% had an abnormal pap result. Of these patients, only 62% had appropriate follow up colposcopy. Discussion: The results from our study revealed a low rate of follow up from abnormal pap smear. Conclusion: This study allowed us to better understand the abnormal pap smear follow up in our resident clinic population. Future area of study includes how shorter interval follow up after abnormal pap smear screening may affect colposcopy follow up rates.