Cervical cancer screening performed by a nurse. Evaluation in family practice

To determine whether a nurse practitioner could collect adequate Papanicolaou smear samples from the transformation zone of the cervix.

A retrospective, descriptive study.

The Bella Coola Medical Clinic, a primary care facility located in the isolated, small village of Bella Coola, BC.

All women who presented for Pap smears between July 1993 and June 1994.

Endocervical or metaplastic cells in smear samples.

All Pap smears performed in the Bella Coola Medical Clinic over 1 year by either the nurse or a member of the physician group (which includes family practice residents) were reviewed. Between July 1, 1993, and June 30, 1994, 149 Pap smears were done, 55 by the nurse and 94 by the physicians. All smears collected by the nurse practitioner showed endocervical or metaplastic cells. More than 90% of physician samples showed endocervical or metaplastic cells.

A Canadian nurse practitioner can be trained to collect adequate Pap smears.