Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
Paragraph: 97
Benign gynaecology' terminology downplays reproductive health conditions, risking treatment de-prioritisation
Conclusion
The use of terminology such as ‘benign gynaecology’ downplays the impact of reproductive health conditions and risks de-prioritising them for treatment that could significantly improve patients’ health and lives.
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not address the recommendation to cease using terminology like 'benign gynaecology.' Instead, it focused on primary care professionals' training and appraisal processes, and how patient satisfaction is captured through the GP Patient Survey.
Paragraph Reference:
97
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Primary care is often the first point of contact for women seeking help with their reproductive health and so it’s vital that GPs are well supported to care for reproductive health conditions. Doctors must regularly demonstrate that they are keeping their skills and knowledge up to date in order to practice and maintain their licence to work in the UK through the GMC ’s revalidation process. Appraisal is an important part of revalidation that requires doctors to collect examples of their work to understand what they’re doing well and how they can improve. This includes any complaints about them and feedback from patients about their experiences. Although performance indicators on treatment for specific conditions are not part of the GP appraisal system, it does involve a 360 degree review of performance, including patient experience. Patient satisfaction is also captured and analysed through the GP Patient Survey .