Creagh Nicola S, Brotherton Julia ML, Hocking Jane S, Karahalios Amalia, Saville Marion, Smith Megan A, Canfell Karen, Hawkes David, Nightingale Claire
BAdSc, MPH, Research Assistant, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic.
B Med (Hons), MPH (Hons), GradDipAppEpi, FAFPHM, PhD, GAICD, Medical Director, Registries and Research, Victorian Cytology Service; Honorary Principal Fellow, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Vic.
Aust J Gen Pract. 2025 Jul;54(7):477-483. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-04-24-7229.
In July 2022, a policy change was enacted in the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) to allow all women and people with a cervix (hereafter people) the choice of a self-collected sample. This study aimed to understand healthcare practitioners' decisions, and factors related to, the provision (or not) of this change.
Semi-structured interviews (n=28) were conducted between February and July 2023 with general practitioners, nurses and practice managers. The COM-B model of behaviour change framework informed the analysis.
Although most (n=22) interviewees reported that they, or healthcare practitioners at their practice, were providing a choice of self-collection to all, a minority (n=6) reported that either they (n=4) or their practice (n=2) were not. Factors that informed the selective provision of self-collection are reported.
For self-collection to facilitate improved equity in the NCSP, strategies are needed to reassure healthcare practitioners that self-collection is an appropriate screening modality, and ensure people are aware of their screening choices.
