A pilot implementation study of self-collected human papillomavirus (HPV) samples in general practice as an addition to the cervical screening programme in Ireland
Project Summary
HPV self-sampling is recommended as an additional cervical screening method for women aged 30-60 years by the World Health Organisation. Seventeen countries have introduced HPV self-sampling internationally to promote cervical
screening uptake in eligible women. As part of Ireland’s Cervical Cancer Elimination plan, the national screening programme CervicalCheck is aiming to increase screening coverage, which may be assisted through HPV self-sampling.
Women who are eligible for cervical screening will be recruited through GP practices to carry out HPV self-samples prior to their routine cervical screening test. This is a mixed methods study. A pilot implementation study will be conducted in general practice, which will include process evaluation interviews to examine the feasibility, acceptability and logistics of HPV self-sampling as an addition to current cervical screening in Ireland.
Main aims:
1. To determine the acceptability and preferences of eligible women regarding HPV self-sampling carried out in general practice.
2. To determine the acceptability and feasibility of HPV self-sampling implementation in general practice from the perspectives of GPs & GP nurses.
3. To determine the acceptability and feasibility of implementing HPV self-sampling as part of the national cervical screening programme from the perspectives of other stakeholders e.g.
laboratory staff,
programme staff.
The research team/supervisor(s)
:
Dr Aoife McEvoy, PhD Candidate
Dr Aoife McEvoy, PhD Candidate
Prof Emma Wallace (PI),
Professor and Head of General Practice in the School of Medicine, UCC and
General Practitioner
in Cork
Prof Noirin Russell, Clinical Director of CervicalCheck, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist CUMH, Clinical Professor UCC
Prof Aisling Jennings,
Senior Lecturer in the Dept of General Practice in UCC and General Practitioner in Cork
Prof Patricia Fitzpatrick (UCD), Professor of Epidemiology & Biomedical Statistics UCD, Consultant Epidemiologist at CervicalCheck/ National Screening Service