- 16% of those not attending a screening in the past 3 years comment that they would always attend their screening
- For others a key barrier is not having been invited or prompted to attend an appointment (9%)
- Booking processes could be improved to encourage attendance for example having better appointment times/ availability, making it easier to book or request an appointment, sending reminders, or minimising cancellations. Appointment locations could also be more convenient for some.
- Experiences could be improved through different screening styles, a more sensitive approach, and having knowledgeable and experienced staff
Encouragement to attend
Summary
Is there anything that would make it easier or more likely that you would go to a cervical screening appointment?
Base: Those who haven’t attended a cervical screening appointment in the last 3 years (1,567)
| wdt_ID | Key themes | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No, I always attend | 16 |
| 2 | Being invited to one/ prompted | 9 |
| 3 | Better appointment times/ availability e.g. more slots, outside of regular work hours, weekends | 7 |
| 4 | Different screening style e.g. at home screening/ self-administered, less painful/ invasive, easier referral for difficult smears, medications to ease experience | 5 |
| 11 | Easier ways to book/ request e.g. NHS app, dedicated call centre | 5 |
| 12 | More sensitivity in approach e.g. recognise pain, trans inclusive, consideration of sexual trauma, creating a calming/ dignified environment, more information about process, guarantee female practitioner | 4 |
| 13 | Nonattendance is due to personal issue/ nothing that could be changed | 3 |
| 14 | Reminders e.g. by text or email | 2 |
| 15 | Better appointment locations/ easier access e.g. convenient venues like pop-up clinics, walk-in services, dedicated women’s health hubs | 2 |
| 16 | Issues with the process surrounding screening appointments e.g. appointment cancellations, poor communication from GP surgeries, difficult to access screening history | 2 |
| 17 | Knowledgeable and experienced staff | 2 |
| 18 | Would like more regular screenings e.g. every year | 1 |
| 19 | Expand age limits e.g. under 25, over 65 | 1 |
| 20 | Praise for how they are currently run | 1 |
| 21 | Other e.g. education about screenings, campaigns on importance, combine with other appointments | 3 |
| 22 | N/A/ no comment | 48 |
“I always go if invited but hard to track over time if not prompted, just checked NHS app and can find no record of last test?”
“Appointments being available! Received a text to tell me to book, would be easier with a link to book so logged in and no appointments available.”
“Experienced staff and recognising the pain felt by the procedure if you are over a certain age and have certain conditions.”
