Why does the entire medical profession (AMA) continue to cover up for those who provide medical services to females? Why did the Republican side of the U.S. Senate - yesterday, 02/24/04 - attempt to limit the pain and suffering awards (in med mal cases involving only OBGYNs) to $250,000? Were they misled? I hope so. CLUE: A significant percentage of OBGYNs continue to use non-sterile devices during highly invasive examinations of patients... with the 'approval' of the CDC and the FDA. They are now apparently afraid to suddenly switch their "Standard of Care". Their lawyers have probably told them that it would be a bad move, would be interpreted as an admission and would invite thousands of lawsuits by women who were infected during an exam but have not already 'connect the dots'. (Or did connect the dots and were told by their doctor that it is impossible to become infected with medical instruments... or something similar.) The three summaries copied below should infuriate and motivate the entire U.S. medical profession and all U.S. women (as well as men). BIRMINGHAM HEALTH AUTHORITY Edgbaston, Birmingham, England January 2002 Infection Control Guidelines: Vaginal Specula: Sterilization required. All reusable items in contact with the vagina must be decontaminated between use with a heat method of sterilization not by disinfectant or boiling water. COLLEGE OF NURSES OF ONTARIO Toronto, ON, Canada June 2003 Infection Control Guidelines: Vaginal Specula: must be sterilized to prevent transmission of the (human) papilloma virus (HPV: the cause of cervical cancer). CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL Atlanta, GA, USA December 2002 Infection Control Guidelines: Vaginal Specula: "The CDC does not have guidelines that address these devices." Lynne Schulster, PhD, Healthcare Quality Promotion Div.; CDC
Is it possible that there is not enough money for the devices? Maybe the sterilization is inadequate not the sterilized devices. Looking at the whole picture - say the third world and daily bombings with tent hospitals - where surgical devices aren't even available, maybe we should consider better sterilization or more money for health care. Litigation isn't exactly going to benefit doctors or patients. Squiggles
