Authors' objectives:

This report reviews the literature on factors which affect acceptance of screening in first and subsequent rounds, and secondly, methods of preventing attendance from dropping. It consists mainly of an annotated bibliography updated in Spring of 1997.

Authors' recommendations: Studies have shown that: public education campaigns recruit only those most likely to attend anyway; open-ended written invitations signed by GPs achieve uptake rates of up to 75%; written invitations from GPs which include scheduled appointments are more effective, but not cost-effective unless overbooking is allowed; reminder letters and second invitations to non-attenders can recruit an additional 13-21% of non-attenders, and are as effective as personal approaches, especially when supported by a letter from their GP; tailored interventions i.e. with reference to screening history or risk assessment have no substantial impact on uptake; ethnic groups require special attention, but the evidence for using linkworkers is unclear. We have found nothing of significance which is not already known to the Scottish Breast Screening Programme (SBSP).

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nhsconfed.net/shpic/doc12.htm

Year Published: 1997

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Scotland, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: Scottish Health Purchasing Information Centre

Copyright: Scottish Health Purchasing Information Centre