Adapting invitation letters to increase cervical screening attendance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adapting invitation letters to increase cervical screening attendance
IRAS ID
223502
Contact name
Michael Hallsworth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ISRTCN, 33309
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 26 days
Research summary
This study aims to test whether it is possible to increase attendance rates for cervical screening by adapting the invitation letters sent to eligible women.\n\nThe average cervical screening attendance rate across England is 73%, while Greater Manchester’s screening rate is below this national average at 65%. In this context, Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership would like to increase the cervical screening rate within Greater Manchester.\n\nThe study will be undertaken by the Behavioural Insights Team in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership and the screening programme of Primary Care Support England, delivered on behalf of NHS England by Capita plc.\n\nThe trial will test the impact of adapting the cervical screening invitation letter. The letters are sent to women aged 25 to 64 that are registered with a GP and due for cervical screening. \n\nDuring the period of the trial: \n\n- Control group: a quarter of women will receive the standard invitation letter (routinely sent out) with the standard leaflet on pros and cons of cervical screening.\n- Treatment group 1: the second quarter will receive a simplified letter with a tear-off slip including a behaviourally-informed loss-framed message with the standard leaflet. \n- Treatment group 2: the third quarter will receive a simplified letter with a tear-off slip including a behaviourally-informed gain-framed message with the standard leaflet. \n- Treatment group 3: the fourth quarter of women will receive a simplified letter with a tear-off slip including a behaviourally-informed active choice message with the standard leaflet.\n\nAttendance rates at cervical screening appointments will be used to assess whether those who received the adapted letters (treatment groups) were more likely to attend their appointments, compared to those who received the standard letter. This study builds on previous research on encouraging greater uptake of breast and cervical screening.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0201
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion