Invitation management initiative to improve uptake of breast cancer screening in an urban UK Primary Care Trust

Abstract

Objectives: In an attempt to improve breast cancer screening uptake and coverage, persistent non-attenders in the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust were included in an invitation management initiative.

Methods: Persistent non-attenders were identified in routine screening lists. Phone contact was attempted or a home visit was made. If the case was not resolved, a second appointment was made and further phone calls and home visits were attempted.

Results: Of 548 persistent non-attenders identified, 228 (42%) declined screening, 171 (31%) attended, 72 (13%) had moved away or died, 11 (2%) were recently screened or under care for other conditions. Sixty-six cases (12%) remained unresolved. Fourteen women opted to be permanently withdrawn from the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). Twenty-four women had a negative experience of breast cancer screening (defaulted, recalled for assessment, recalled for technical reasons). No malignancies were found. A total of 1375 phone calls and 230 home visits were attempted. Uptake would have been 62.2% if none of the persistent non-attenders included in the initiative had attended for screening. With the initiative, uptake of breast cancer screening was increased to 65.3%.

Conclusions: Phone calls and home visits resulted in only a moderate increase in breast cancer screening uptake. The initiative encouraged nervous attenders who were reassured about the screening process. However, more women declined screening than were screened and the initiative made it easier for women to request to be permanently withdrawn from the NHSBSP.