Why do we continue to take unnecessary smears?

Ciaran Woodman, Judith Richardson, Martin Spence

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A questionnaire survey of all general practices and family planning doctors in Manchester Health Authority was undertaken to determine why many more smears are taken in primary care than are scheduled by the screening programme. An 82% response rate was obtained. The indications for additional smear tests most frequently cited by responders were postcoital (88%), postmenopausal (84%), or intermenstrual bleeding (55%); genital warts (87%); and multiple sexual partners (52%). Forty-six per cent think that a woman should have a repeat test within one year of her first ever test. We discuss why these are not valid indications for additional smear tests.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)645-646
JournalBritish Journal of General Practice
Volume47
Issue number423
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 1997

Keywords

  • smears

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)
  • Health Professions(all)

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