Rachael Jaenke1, Tamara L Butler1, John Condon1, Gail Garvey1, Julia M L Brotherton2, Joan Cunningham1, Kate Anderson1, Allison Tong3, Suzanne P Moore1, Lisa J Whop1,4. 1. Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory. 2. VCS Population Health, VCS Foundation, Victoria. 3. Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales. 4. National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate perspectives of primary health care providers (HCPs) on providing cervical screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who experience a higher burden of cervical cancer than other Australian women. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 13 HCPs from four Australian Indigenous primary health care centres (PHCCs). Transcripts were thematically analysed. RESULTS: HCPs discussed the need to approach cervical screening with sensitivity to women's emotional and cultural needs and sustaining relationships built on trust and respect. HCPs reported challenges in promoting screening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women due to cumbersome systems, competing clinical priorities, workforce capacity limitations and specific challenges associated with implementing the renewed National Cervical Screening Program. CONCLUSIONS: In practice, HCPs experience several challenges to delivering cervical screening. Understanding HCPs' perspectives on their approach to cervical screening delivery, and the systems in which this occurs, can help to ensure that they receive adequate support and resources to deliver cervical screening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Implications for public health: It is important that HCPs adopt a multi-faceted, person-centred approach to cervical screening that is responsive to women's needs and that works synchronously with supportive PHCC services and systems and the National Cancer Screening Register.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate perspectives of primary health care providers (HCPs) on providing cervical screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who experience a higher burden of cervical cancer than other Australian women. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 13 HCPs from four Australian Indigenous primary health care centres (PHCCs). Transcripts were thematically analysed. RESULTS: HCPs discussed the need to approach cervical screening with sensitivity to women's emotional and cultural needs and sustaining relationships built on trust and respect. HCPs reported challenges in promoting screening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women due to cumbersome systems, competing clinical priorities, workforce capacity limitations and specific challenges associated with implementing the renewed National Cervical Screening Program. CONCLUSIONS: In practice, HCPs experience several challenges to delivering cervical screening. Understanding HCPs' perspectives on their approach to cervical screening delivery, and the systems in which this occurs, can help to ensure that they receive adequate support and resources to deliver cervical screening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Implications for public health: It is important that HCPs adopt a multi-faceted, person-centred approach to cervical screening that is responsive to women's needs and that works synchronously with supportive PHCC services and systems and the National Cancer Screening Register.
Authors: Tamara L Butler; Natasha Lee; Kate Anderson; Julia M L Brotherton; Joan Cunningham; John R Condon; Gail Garvey; Allison Tong; Suzanne P Moore; Clare M Maher; Jacqueline K Mein; Eloise F Warren; Lisa J Whop Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-08-31 Impact factor: 3.752