Immediate opportunistic screening

Immediate opportunistic screening while eligible women and people with a cervix are interacting with colleagues is a whole team intervention shown to improve cervical screening rates. Opportunistic screening relies on every member of staff interacting with patients taking the opportunity to discuss screening and there being the flexibility to provide testing immediately if a patient is ready to have a test.

In one practice, a review identified the need to address declining screening rates. Following consultation with their patient participation group they agreed for all clinicians to consider opportunistic screening, when possible, especially for those women who had been harder to engage. In addition, all receptionists were made aware of how to check the records of women attending the practice for appointments, and to discuss the option of arranging an appointment for screening at a convenient time. To assist in facilitating screening, flexibility was introduced to provide cervical screening immediately if a patient identified they would have the test. In the 12 months after implementing these changes alongside patient recall letters, the practice improved its screening rates by 10%.

Introducing immediate opportunistic screening may overcome the barriers to reaching those who share characteristics with the portraits of Samira, Molly, Ellie, Victoria, or Nina.

Planning and implementing opportunistic screening

Plan
Assess workflow Evaluate the surgery’s workflow and patient flow to identify opportunities for integrating opportunistic screening. Determine where in the patient journey the screening can be seamlessly incorporated without causing disruptions or delays.
Staff awareness Provide information to staff regarding the benefits of opportunistic screening and integrating screening discussions into routine appointments. Equip staff members with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify eligible patients.
Promote
Internal communication Regularly communicate with staff about the importance of opportunistic screening and the impact it can have on improving cervical screening rates. Share success stories to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Check-in communication Ensure that receptionists are trained to check patients’ records for screening eligibility and to offer appointments for screening at convenient times. Introduce flexibility in scheduling to accommodate patients who are ready to have a test there and then.
Website Update the surgery’s website with a dedicated page or section highlighting the availability of opportunistic screening and the need for people to undergo cervical screening.
Social media Use social media to post updates about opportunistic screening, encouraging patients to ask about screening during upcoming appointments; as well as to share testimonials from patients.
Patient engagement platforms Leverage patient engagement platforms such as patient portals, mobile apps, and online messaging systems to deliver personalised invitation messages and facilitate appointment scheduling. Encourage patients to respond to invitations and take proactive steps to schedule screenings.
In-surgery promotion Display posters or digital screens in the waiting area and examination rooms highlighting the availability and advantages of opportunistic screening, ensuring patients are aware of the option during their visits.
Patient feedback and testimonials Gather feedback from patients who have undergone opportunistic screening to assess their satisfaction with the process and outcomes. Share positive testimonials or success stories via patient communication channels to further encourage participation among other patients.
Execute
Implement opportunistic screening Implement the immediate opportunistic screening programme according to the plan developed.
Monitor performance Monitor the performance in real-time and track key metrics such as screening uptake, patient and staff 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
Screening uptake Monitor the uptake of opportunistic screening, track the number of screenings conducted.
Patient feedback Gather feedback from patients who undergo opportunistic screening to assess their satisfaction with the screening process. Conduct surveys or interviews to understand patient perceptions and identify areas for improvement.
Staff feedback Gather feedback from staff who facilitate opportunistic screening to assess their satisfaction with the process. Identify any barriers or challenges encountered and solicit suggestions for improvement.

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