Increasing Cervical Cancer Screening in Women at PSH St. Josephs Clinic by Offering Self-Collected HPV Tests

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the impact of offering self-sampled human papillomavirus HPV tests to increase participation in cervical cancer screening among female patients aged 30 to 65 at a residency clinic. The study compares the acceptability and completion rates of self-sampled HPV tests versus clinician-sampled tests and measures any increase in overall cervical cancer screening rates within the clinic population. The purpose is to understand if self-sampling can improve screening participation. Participants who are due for cervical cancer screening will be offered a choice to take a self-sampled HPV test after their appointment, schedule an in-person screening for a later date, or decline screening at this time. Those who choose self-sampling receive a test kit with instructions, a lab requisition form, and a pre-paid envelope to return the sample to the lab. Scheduled in-person screenings are arranged at checkout if chosen. Results from the self-sampled tests are sent securely to the clinic and recorded in medical records, with follow-up care arranged based on HPV risk levels. During the study, participants test requests and completions are tracked, and medical records are updated with test results and follow-up actions. Patients are contacted for additional procedures if their test shows high-risk or low-risk HPV. The study measures the number of patients requesting and completing tests over 12 months and assesses changes in cervical cancer screening rates three months after enrollment ends. Participation involves minimal additional visits, focusing on choice and follow-through with screening options.

St. Joseph's HPV Self-sampling: Offering a Self-sampling Option in Clinic