Feasibility and acceptability of telehealth and contactless delivery of Human Papillomavirus self-testing for cervical screening with Maori and Pacific women in a COVID-19 outbreak in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Bartholomew, K; Massey, R; Maxwell, A; Gillett, F; Scott, N; Coote, P; Grant, J; Bromhead, C; Crengle, S; McPherson, GS; Flower, D; Moodabe, K; Sherman, S; Kathuria, J; Saraf, R

Abstract

AIM: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth offer and contactless delivery of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening self-test during the 2021 COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS: A small proof-of-concept study was undertaken to test telehealth approaches in never-screened, due or overdue Maori and Pacific women enrolled in a local Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Study invitation, active follow-up, nurse-led discussions, result notification and a post-test questionnaire were all delivered through telehealth.

RESULTS: A sample of 197 eligible Maori and Pacific women were invited to take part, of which 86 women were successfully contacted. Sixty-six agreed to take part. Overall uptake was 61 samples returned (31.8%) and uptake of all contactable women was 70.9%. Six of the 61 HPV self-tests (9.8%) were positive, all for non 16/18 types, and were referred for cytology. Three had negative cytology results, and three with positive cytology results were referred for colposcopy.

CONCLUSION: The offer of HPV self-testing during COVID-19 lockdown was both feasible and highly acceptable for Maori and Pacific women. Importantly, HPV self-testing via telehealth and mail-out, alongside other options, offers a potential pro-equity approach for addressing the impact of deferred screens due to COVID-19 and other longstanding coverage issues.

Citation

Bartholomew, K., Massey, R., Maxwell, A., Gillett, F., Scott, N., Coote, P., …Saraf, R. (2022). Feasibility and acceptability of telehealth and contactless delivery of Human Papillomavirus self-testing for cervical screening with Maori and Pacific women in a COVID-19 outbreak in Aotearoa, New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal, 83-94

• Acceptance Date: Sep 28, 2022
• Publication Date: Nov 11, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 12, 2024
• Journal: New Zealand Medical Journal
• Print ISSN: 0028-8446
• Publisher: New Zealand Medical Association
• Pages: 83-94
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/424425
• Publisher URL: https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/feasibility-and-acceptability-of-telehealth-and-contactless-delivery-of-human-papillomavirus-hpv-self-testing-for-cervical-screening-with-maori-and-pacific-women-in-a-covid-19-outbreak-in-aotearoa-new-zealand