1. Feasibility and acceptability of telehealth and contactless delivery of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing for cervical screening with Māori and Pacific women in a COVID-19 outbreak in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Author
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Karen, Bartholomew, Jane, Grant, Anna, Maxwell, Collette, Bromhead, Fiona, Gillett, Rajneeta, Saraf, Kate, Moodabe, Susan Mary, Sherman, Georgina, McPherson, Deralie, Flower, Jyoti, Kathuria, Sue, Crengle, Richard, Massey, Nina, Scott, and Pania, Coote
- Subjects
Vaginal Smears ,Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander ,Papillomavirus Infections ,Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ,COVID-19 ,Alphapapillomavirus ,Telemedicine ,Disease Outbreaks ,Self-Testing ,Pregnancy ,Colposcopy ,Communicable Disease Control ,Humans ,Feasibility Studies ,Mass Screening ,Female ,Papillomaviridae ,Early Detection of Cancer ,New Zealand - Abstract
To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth offer and contactless delivery of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening self-test during the 2021 COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand.A small proof-of-concept study was undertaken to test telehealth approaches in never-screened, due or overdue Māori and Pacific women enrolled in a local Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Study invitation, active follow-up, nurse-led discussions, result notification and a post-test questionnaire were all delivered through telehealth.A sample of 197 eligible Māori and Pacific women were invited to take part, of which 86 women were successfully contacted. Sixty-six agreed to take part. Overall uptake was 61 samples returned (31.8%) and uptake of all contactable women was 70.9%. Six of the 61 HPV self-tests (9.8%) were positive, all for non 16/18 types, and were referred for cytology. Three had negative cytology results, and three with positive cytology results were referred for colposcopy.The offer of HPV self-testing during COVID-19 lockdown was both feasible and highly acceptable for Māori and Pacific women. Importantly, HPV self-testing via telehealth and mail-out, alongside other options, offers a potential pro-equity approach for addressing the impact of deferred screens due to COVID-19 and other longstanding coverage issues.
- Published
- 2022