Drop-in clinics

Drop-in clinics offer more flexibility to help women and people with a cervix access cervical screening. A drop-in clinic is a dedicated time for cervical screening for those who have not booked appointments.

Drop-in clinics can help overcome barriers to screening including work and family commitments, pre-test anxiety, availability of appointments, and those who prefer the convenience of a drop-in clinic without the need for scheduling.

Drop-in clinics held during an open day in Auchinairn Medical Practice (Scotland) far exceeded expectations and anecdotal evidence from patients showed the open day made it far easier and more welcoming for them with some stating they would not have otherwise been able to attend.

Holding a drop-in clinic may prompt those who share characteristics with the portraits of Samira, Molly, Ellie, Victoria, or Nina to undergo screening.

Planning and implementing a drop-in clinic

Plan
Date and time Consider:

·offering drop-in clinics during early mornings, evenings, and weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules

·the need for multiple drop-in clinics based on patient demand and clinic capacity
Capacity Determine the number of appointments the surgery can offer per session based on resourcing and develop a contingency plan for situations where demand exceeds available appointments, this may include:

·increasing staff levels temporarily

·extending operating hours

·implementing a waiting/callback system

·offering alternate appointment options
Staff awareness Ensure all surgery staff are informed about the drop-in clinics and their purpose and clarify their roles and responsibilities in facilitating the clinics effectively.
Promote
Website Update the surgery’s website with a dedicated page or section highlighting the drop-in clinic, including operating hours, and any eligibility criteria.
Social media Use social media to post updates about the drop-in clinics, upcoming days/times, and testimonials.
Community partnerships Collaborate with local community organisations such as churches, women’s groups, sporting, and cultural interest clubs to spread the word about the drop-in clinics.
Local media Reach out to newspapers, and neighbourhood magazines to feature articles or advertisements about the drop-in clinics.
Print materials Display posters or digital screens promoting the clinics in waiting rooms.
Feedback and testimonials Actively solicit feedback from patients who have utilised the drop-in clinics and showcase positive testimonials on the surgery’s website and social media channels.
Patient engagement platforms Leverage patient engagement platforms such as patient portals, mobile apps, and online messaging systems to promote the drop-in clinics.
Campaign material Use the campaign materials to help raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening and the benefits of early detection. Use various channels such as social media, email newsletters, posters, and patient education materials to disseminate information and encourage participation.
Execute
Implement drop-in clinic Implement the drop-in clinics according to the plan developed.
On the day considerations Considerations for the day of the drop-in clinic include:

·designating staff members to welcome and register patients and provide assistance throughout the clinic. They will likely need to answer questions about how many people are ahead of them and how long the wait is

·whether an information stand with educational materials and equipment including speculums and collection brushes would help people waiting understand the procedure better and help answer any queries
Monitor performance Monitor the performance in real-time and track key metrics such as screening uptake and patient satisfaction. Analyse the data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
Continuous improvement Continuously evaluate and adjust as needed to optimise effectiveness and reach. Incorporate patient and staff feedback, best practice, and lessons learned to ensure the delivery of high-quality cervical screening services.
Evaluate
Appointment utilisation Monitor the utilisation of the clinics for cervical screening. Track the number of people who drop-in at different times of the day and days of the week and any trends in patient preferences or feedback to inform the running of future drop-in clinics.
Patient feedback Gather feedback from patients who participate in the clinics to assess their satisfaction with the experience. Conduct surveys or interviews to understand patient perceptions, identify areas for improvement, and gather testimonials to share with other patients.
Staff feedback Collect feedback from staff who facilitate drop-in clinics to evaluate their satisfaction with the experience. Use surveys or interviews to gather insights into staff perceptions, identify areas for improvement, and gather testimonials highlighting successful aspects of the drop-in clinic process to share with other staff members.
Surgery efficiency Evaluate the impact of drop-in clinics on surgery efficiency and productivity. Measure factors such as wait times, staff workload, and overall throughput to identify any operational challenges or opportunities for optimisation.

Next page: Extended hours clinics