Improving Equitable Access to Cervical Cancer Screening and Management.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cervical cancer affects 13,000 U.S. women annually, with 4,000 deaths, and screening rates remain low, particularly among Hispanic and migrant women.
• Federally qualified health centers face challenges in screening eligible women due to high uninsured rates and specific demographic needs.
• Addressing disparities in cervical cancer screening is crucial for reducing incidence and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve cervical cancer screening rates in a federally qualified health center serving a predominantly uninsured and Hispanic population.
• To achieve 75% Pap test eligibility screening, program enrollment, and case management for eligible women within a 60-day period.
• To enhance access to timely cervical cancer screening for underserved women.

Main Methods:

• Utilized four rapid plan-do-study-act cycles to implement and evaluate interventions.
• Interventions focused on team engagement, patient engagement, eligibility screening, and case log management.
• Data analysis involved run charts to assess the impact of interventions on screening outcomes.

Main Results:

• During the 60-day project, 87% of women received effective care, including same-day enrollment and Pap test or well-woman visit scheduling.
• The clinic served a population that was 80% uninsured and 86% Hispanic.
• The interventions demonstrated success in increasing screening and enrollment rates.

Conclusions:

• A multicomponent approach effectively improved equitable access to cervical cancer screening for underserved women.
• Timely enrollment in screening programs was achieved through targeted interventions.
• The project highlights the importance of tailored strategies to address health disparities in cancer screening.