A four-week remote group intervention to increase cervical cancer screening

Objectives: The aim of this project was to design and deliver a group intervention to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

Study Design: This short communication outlines the development process and service evaluation outcomes for a pilot group online cervical screening intervention.

Methods: The intervention used the COM-B model and was informed by a literature review and survey responses. The four-week online intervention was delivered for 30-45 minutes per week via Zoom. The intervention employed behaviour change techniques including behavioural practice and rehearsal, modelling, and information about health consequences. Service evaluation was completed using open-text questions and multiple-choice survey responses including a knowledge quiz at: baseline, after session one, after session four, and at six-week follow-up.

Results: Nine individuals took part in the intervention and six attended all four sessions. The service evaluation illustrated that increased capability, opportunity, and motivation to attend cervical screening was not achieved after one week but was achieved following four weeks of attendance. Attendee feedback suggested that the sessions were useful. However, the most common recommendations for improvement were to have longer sessions and more time for questions.

Conclusion: Online group interventions may improve intentions to attend cervical screening appointments. However, this form of intervention was unable to address the practical barriers surrounding obtaining an appointment.