Anal screening in the UK
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To explore the perceptions and experiences of patients and clinicians in anal cytology screening and High Resolution Anoscopy.
IRAS ID
143859
Contact name
Anosha M Ramsammy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Buckinghamshire New University
Research summary
Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN) is a well recognised precursor for invasive
squamous anal cancer. Studies have shown an association with anal intraepithelial
neoplasia and the human papilloma virus (Simpson & Scholefield, 2011). The
prevalence of high grade intraepithelial neoplasia increased over the last 10 years
according to Berry et al (2009), and proposed screening of at risk individuals is
indicated in response to the increasing incidence of anal cancer. Currently the
United Kingdom (UK) have no national guidelines for anal cytology screening but the
British HIV Association (BHIVA, 2008) advocated that all major HIV units should
develop clinical guidelines for management of suspected anal cancer.The purpose of this research project is to explore the perceptions and experiences of patients and clinicians in anal cytology screening within sexual health clinics around the UK.
The methodology for this study is a qualitative. The sample population for the study will be clinicians undertaking anal cytology screening in sexual health clinics in the UK. Patients living with HIV who have undergone anal cytology and high resolution anoscopy will also be interviewed from the researchers employing trust. Data will be collected by in depth interviews and will be unstructured. Thematic analysis will be used in this study
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0488
Date of REC Opinion
16 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion