Communicating mild and borderline abnormal cervical smear results: how and what are women told?

The way in which women are informed about borderline or mild smear results can have a significant psychological impact. By means of a questionnaire survey of general practices in Nottingham, England, this study audited the means by which abnormal smear results were normally communicated to subjects and analysed the content of these communications. Transmitting abnormal smear results, either by letter or by telephone call, was typically the responsibility of the practice nurse, and communications varied widely in informational content. We conclude that the method and content of communications imparting mild or borderline smear results differs between general practices, even within a small geographical area.