Table 3 Recommendations to improve cervical Cancer screening using self-collection in the IPV Population

Recommendation 1

Knowledge about cervical cancer screening is lacking

Increased knowledge and awareness leads to increased compliance with guideline adherent care.

To increase knowledge:

Ensure healthcare providers and public health staff are familiar with the latest cervical cancer screening and management guidelines.

Update brochures and educational materials to have latest patient information and use a variety of platforms for distributions (e.g. hard copy, social media, after-visit summary materials).

Recommendation 2

Pain, fear, discomfort associated with gynecologic exam

Trauma-informed care should be central to any patient interaction with additional education for a trauma-informed pelvic exam.

Recommendation 3

Patient concerns regarding self-sampling correctly

Educate patient that many studies have demonstrated the feasibility of hrHPV self-collection.

Review instructions with patient if they need additional assurance in obtaining a sample.

Recommendation 4

Patient concerns about accurate results with self-sampling

Educate patient that studies have shown similar results for detecting moderate dysplasia or worse when comparing self-sampling to provider-collected samples.

Companies with direct-to-consumer sales of testing kits should clearly provide their sensitivity and specificity for detecting moderate dysplasia or greater.