Evidence for Interventions
Studies have shown the positive impact primary care engagement can have on increasing the uptake of cancer screening with eligible populations. It is important to take opportunities discuss cervical screening in conversation with eligible patients during routine appointments, health visitor appointments, health checks, immunisation etc.
Research has highlighted that fear and shame are associated with HPV infection, so it is important to address any misunderstanding, especially with HPV primary screening now embedded in the programmes. It is important to discuss HPV infection to make sure people fully understand what it means to have HPV. The Cervical Screening Primary Care Good Practice Guide from Cancer Research shares key actions that can be taken to encourage informed participation in cervical screening[33].
A prior notification list (PNL) of patients due to be invited is provided to GP practices. This allows the GP practices to manage any people who do not want or need to be screened. For example, people who need their screening deferred due to undergoing medical treatment. GP practices are therefore in a unique position to know their patients and can help ensure that the PNL is correct and checked for changes of address and contact details.
If a patient does not attend, the GP practice can attach a message to their record to ensure that screening is raised at the next appropriate visit and that the benefits of regular screening are discussed and any barriers to attending identified and addressed.
When considering any initiatives to improve coverage, it should be remembered that taking part in screening is always an individual choice. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme Good Practice Guide has a range of resources to support informed choice[34].
Training to become a cervical screening sample taker
Cervical sample taking is one element of a complex screening pathway. A cervical screening test is a consultation and clinical examination. A cervical sample taker must have the required level of knowledge and understanding of the cervical screening programme, and clinical skill, to safeguard the individual[35].
The NENC Primary Care Hub for North of Tyne and Gateshead collaboratively develop a training needs analysis which is circulated to the Primary Care workforce. This then informs how many sample takers are in need of training. In 2024 the Cervical Screening Mentor Pilot collaboration between the NENC Primary Care Training Hub and Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has funded and coordinated the training of 9 registered nurses from North of Tyne and Gateshead to deliver the mentorship component of the Cervical Screening training. TyneHealth GP Federation employ 2 of these Cervical Screening Mentors for the North Tyneside locality. Outcomes of the pilot have shown that it has:
- Improved access to mentors
- Improved access to training
- Saved costs
- Provided quality assurance
- Provided Career Development opportunities
Due to the abolishment of NHSE the continuation funding for the pilot for 2025 is currently uncertain.
[33]Cervical screening good practice. Available at: https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3JyIv0wDSjppPFLAmAvtw9/4492ff6e9de36966a876123c4f882b2d/Cervical_Screening_Primary_care_Good_practice_guide.pdf [accessed 16/6/2025]
[34] Good practice guidance for cervical screening sample takers. Available at: NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Good practice guidance for sample takers - GOV.UK [accessed 16/6/2025]
[35]UK Government (2024) Education Pathway. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-cervical-sample-taker-training/training-for-cervical-sample-takers-education-pathway [accessed 16/6/2025]