Clinicians' attitude towards changes in Australian National Cervical Screening Program.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Australian cervical cancer screening guidelines are undergoing revision through the "renewal program".
• Physician acceptance is crucial for the successful implementation of these updated screening protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the willingness and acceptance of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) affiliates towards new cervical cancer screening guidelines.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every five years, starting at age 25.

Main Methods:

• An electronic survey was distributed to RANZCOG affiliates between April and June 2014.
• Responses were collected using a 7-point Likert scale, dichotomized to indicate willingness or unwillingness to adopt revised screening practices.

Main Results:

• A 22% response rate (n=956) was achieved, with 60% of respondents willing to adopt the revised screening practices.
• Key concerns included delaying the screening age to 25 (50%) and the potential for missed cervical cancers (48%).
• Reasons for preferring earlier screening (from age 18) included unvaccinated status (65.6%), immunosuppression (92.2%), and history of childhood sexual assault (73.9%).

Conclusions:

• The majority of RANZCOG affiliates expressed willingness to adapt their cervical cancer screening practices.
• Significant barriers to delaying the screening age to 25 were identified, necessitating targeted change management strategies.
• Addressing clinician concerns is essential for ensuring the effective implementation of best practices in cervical screening.