Speakers - 2026

Title: Self collected cervical screening: A real world primary care study

Abstract

Background:

Universal access to self-collected cervical screening was introduced in Australia in 2022 and has been associated with increased participation nationally, with particularly marked uptake in Tasmania1. While population-level data demonstrate improved screening rates, practice-level impacts and real-world outcomes warrant further evaluation.

Objective:

To compare uptake of self-collected versus clinician-collected cervical screening at a single-centre level and assess downstream clinical and resource implications.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of cervical screening was conducted using electronic patient records (Best Practice software). Clinician-collected screening data from 2018–2020 were compared with self-collected screening data from 2022–2024. The primary outcome was screening uptake, defined by returned test results. Secondary outcomes included estimated clinician time, and appointment cost savings, plus screening uptake among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, and rates of onward referral for colposcopy, biopsy, and definitive management as a marker of appropriate detection.

Results:

Data analysis is ongoing at the time of abstract submission.

Conclusion:

This study aims to provide real-world evidence on the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of self-collected cervical screening in primary care, supporting its role as a non-inferior alternative to clinician-collected screening while optimising healthcare resource utilisation.

1. Gertig D et al; “Monitoring of Self-collection in the National Cervical Screening Program Summary Pack”; August 2025; https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/update-on-cervical-screening-self-collection-uptake.pdf

Key takeaways:

• Aims to identify real world opportunities in cervical screening for improving engagement and early detection/diagnosis
• Provides ground-level single-centre data identifying implementation and accessibility for centres considering introduction of patient-collected cervical screening. Also aims to demonstrate noninferiority, confirming the national data representations
• Identifies financial and time benefits likely to create impact at the individual clinician level
• Provides confirmation of successful public health policy in messy, real, primary care practice