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Feasibility and acceptability of telehealth and contactless delivery of Human Papillomavirus self-testing for cervical screening with Maori and Pacific women in a COVID-19 outbreak in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Bartholomew, K; Massey, R; Maxwell, A; Gillett, F; Scott, N; Coote, P; Grant, J; Bromhead, C; Crengle, S; McPherson, GS; Flower, D; Moodabe, K; Sherman, S; Kathuria, J; Saraf, R

Authors

K Bartholomew

R Massey

A Maxwell

F Gillett

N Scott

P Coote

J Grant

C Bromhead

S Crengle

GS McPherson

D Flower

K Moodabe

J Kathuria

R Saraf



Abstract

AIM: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth offer and contactless delivery of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening self-test during the 2021 COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS: A small proof-of-concept study was undertaken to test telehealth approaches in never-screened, due or overdue Maori and Pacific women enrolled in a local Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Study invitation, active follow-up, nurse-led discussions, result notification and a post-test questionnaire were all delivered through telehealth.

RESULTS: A sample of 197 eligible Maori and Pacific women were invited to take part, of which 86 women were successfully contacted. Sixty-six agreed to take part. Overall uptake was 61 samples returned (31.8%) and uptake of all contactable women was 70.9%. Six of the 61 HPV self-tests (9.8%) were positive, all for non 16/18 types, and were referred for cytology. Three had negative cytology results, and three with positive cytology results were referred for colposcopy.

CONCLUSION: The offer of HPV self-testing during COVID-19 lockdown was both feasible and highly acceptable for Maori and Pacific women. Importantly, HPV self-testing via telehealth and mail-out, alongside other options, offers a potential pro-equity approach for addressing the impact of deferred screens due to COVID-19 and other longstanding coverage issues.

Acceptance Date Sep 28, 2022
Publication Date Nov 11, 2022
Publicly Available Date Nov 12, 2024
Journal New Zealand Medical Journal
Print ISSN 0028-8446
Publisher New Zealand Medical Association
Pages 83-94
Publisher URL https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/feasibility-and-acceptability-of-telehealth-and-contactless-delivery-of-human-papillomavirus-hpv-self-testing-for-cervical-screening-with-maori-and-pacific-women-in-a-covid-19-outbreak-in-aotearoa-new-zealand

Files

This file is under embargo until Nov 12, 2024 due to copyright restrictions.



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