Extended hours clinics

Extended hours clinics offer more flexibility for people to access cervical screening. Dedicated days where cervical screening can be booked outside of office hours or on weekends can help overcome barriers to screening including work and family commitments.

They have been run across England for many years and are now a permanent offering for some surgeries. These surgeries report that many women welcomed the convenience of the appointment times and wished they had been introduced sooner.

The awareness-raising campaign may be a helpful time to pilot extended hours clinics for cervical screening.

Holding extended hours clinics may prompt those who share characteristics with the portraits of Samira, Victoria, or Ellie to undergo screening.

Planning and implementing an extended hours clinic

Plan
Date and time Consider implementing extended hours clinics during early mornings, evenings, and weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules, and assess the need for multiple extended hours clinics based on patient demand and surgery capacity.
Capacity Determine the number of appointments the surgery can offer per extended hours session based on staffing and resource.
Staff awareness Ensure all surgery staff are informed about the extended hours 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 extended hours clinic, including operating hours, and any eligibility criteria.
Social media Use social media to post updates about the extended hours clinics, upcoming days/times, and testimonials.
In surgery promotion Display posters or digital screens promoting the clinics in waiting rooms.
Feedback and testimonials Actively solicit feedback from patients who have utilised the extended hours 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 extended hours clinics and facilitate appointment scheduling.
Campaign material Use campaign materials to raise awareness about 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 extended hours clinic Implement the extended hours clinics according to the plan developed.
On the day considerations Considerations for the day of the extended hours clinic include:

·         designating staff members to welcome and register patients and provide assistance throughout the clinic

·         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. Use data analytics 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 extended hours clinics for cervical screening. Track the number of appointments booked and any trends in patient preferences or feedback.
Patient feedback Gather feedback from patients who participate in the extended hours 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 are engaged in the extended hours clinics to evaluate their satisfaction with the experience and effectiveness of the clinics. Use surveys or interviews to gather insights into staff perceptions, identify areas for improvement, and gather testimonials highlighting successful aspects of the clinic’s operation to share with other staff members.
Clinic efficiency Evaluate the impact of extended hours clinics on surgery efficiency and productivity. Measure factors such as appointment scheduling, wait times, staff workload, and overall throughput to identify any operational challenges or opportunities for optimisation.

 

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