Cervical Dysplasia Patient Outcomes by Type of Provider. Abstract, ExecutiveSummary, Final Progress Report and Attachments A-I

摘要

The study sought to (1) establish the validity of practice standards, includingmeasures of clinical efficacy and patient outcomes, and (2) determine the feasibility of implementing a multi-site longitudinal study on the effectiveness of nurse practitioner colposcopists (NPCs) in evaluating and treating cervical dysplasia. In judging the validity of practice standards, the investigator used ten specific measures to compare the performance of experienced, independent-practice NPCs with that of a convenience sample of obstetrician/gynecologists. NPC practices were deemed appropriate and safe, but substantial variations between NPCs' and physicians' practices would make it difficult or impossible to establish universal practice guidelines.