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Pilot of a novel cervical screening intervention: interactive voice response
Ross Corkrey1, Lynne Parkinson, Lucy Bates
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology successfully delivered cervical screening information to women. Higher usage by at-risk groups suggests IVR could improve screening rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Cervical cancer screening is crucial for early detection and prevention.
- Traditional reminder systems may not reach all at-risk populations effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for delivering brief advice on cervical screening.
- To assess the acceptability and usage patterns of an IVR-based intervention for cervical screening.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 5,000 households in Cessnock, NSW, using an IVR system.
- Random selection of eligible women (18-69) to receive tailored cervical screening messages.
- Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) to evaluate intervention acceptability and gather data on participation, demographics, and costs.
Main Results:
- 549 women listened to the IVR call; 587 completed the CATI interview.
- IVR listeners over-represented married women and those of Aboriginal descent; under-represented younger and older women.
- 98% found IVR easy to use; 90% supported IVR reminders. Unscreened and older women used the system more.
Conclusions:
- The IVR system was effectively utilized by many women for cervical screening information, particularly by recognized risk groups.
- IVR reminders show potential for increasing cervical screening rates, especially among high-risk populations. Further exploration of linking IVR to reminder databases is recommended.