Follow-up of abnormal or inadequate cervical smears using two guidance systems: RCT on effectiveness

Rosella P.M.G. Hermens*, Bert G. Siebers, Marlies E.J.L. Hulscher, Jozé C.C. Braspenning, Jan H.M. Van Doremalen, Antonius Hanselaar, Richard P.T.M. Grol, Chris Van Weel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. To improve follow-up compliance after an initial inadequate or abnormal cervical smear, two follow-up guidance systems were tested for effectiveness. A comprehensive system (cytopathology laboratory monitored the follow-up of all abnormal and inadequate smears) was compared to a selective system (monitoring was left to the smear taker; laboratory acted as a safety net). Methods. In an RCT on all family practices (N = 171) in the catchment areas of two cytopathology laboratories (Nijmegen region, The Netherlands, 1998-2000), practices were allocated at random to one of the follow-up guidance systems. All women included were registered at the practices, invited to the national screening program and had abnormal or inadequate smears. Measurements comprised of (1) follow-up compliance at baseline and 1 year after the initial smear and (2) diagnostic outcome of the follow-up smear. Results. During the study period, 132 practices sent their cervical smears to the laboratories. The comprehensive system covered 1226 women, the selective 1034. In the comprehensive system, the increase in follow-up compliance for initial inadequate and slightly abnormal smears was significantly higher (8.9%) than in the selective one, which implied an extra detection of eleven, more serious, abnormalities per 1000 women. Conclusion. The comprehensive system was more effective than the selective and is suitable for use on a larger scale.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)809-814
Number of pages6
JournalPreventive Medicine
Volume41
Issue number5-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2005
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Follow-up of abnormal or inadequate cervical smears using two guidance systems: RCT on effectiveness'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this