Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate opportunistic reminders in emergency departments (EDs) about cervical smears. MethodFive EDs in Sydney in 1995-96 participated in a block-randomised control trial, whereby unscreened women at risk for cervical cancer who were seen as non-acute cases were allocated either to brief advice at the end of the ED consultation to return to their GP for a smear (intervention) or usual care (control). Blinded follow-up telephone interviews determined women's compliance four weeks later. Results217 women at risk for cervical cancer presented, of whom 53 (23%) were overdue for a Pap smear (22 intervention group; 31 control group). At follow-up, no women in the intervention group had had a smear, although 3 (10%) in the control group had (p= 0.25). ConclusionsOpportunities in EDs in NSW for opportunistic reminders are infrequent and, even if taken, are unlikely to encourage screening over and above usual care. ImplicationsGeneral practice remains a more effective location for opportunistic recruitment, although interventions with hospitalised in-patients also show greater promise than reminders in EDs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
