Increasing Pap smear rates at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service through translational research and continuous quality improvement
Melanie S. Dorrington A B , Ana Herceg A B C , Kirsty Douglas A B , Julie Tongs A and Marianne Bookallil A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, ACT 2604, Australia.
B The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: ana.herceg@winnunga.org.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 21(4) 417-422 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY14088
Submitted: 2 June 2014 Accepted: 19 October 2014 Published: 23 February 2015
Abstract
This article describes translational research (TR) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes used to identify and address barriers and facilitators to Pap smear screening within an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS). Rapid Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were conducted, informed by client surveys, a data collection tool, focus groups and internal research. There was a statistically significant increase in Pap smear numbers during PDSA cycles, continuing at 10 months follow up. The use of TR with CQI appears to be an effective and acceptable way to affect Pap smear screening. Community and service collaboration should be at the core of research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health settings. This model is transferrable to other settings and other health issues.
Additional keywords: cervical cancer screening, continuing quality improvement, women’s health.
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