Cervical pap smears and pandemics: The effect of COVID-19 on screening uptake & opportunities to improve

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an unprecedented upheaval within global healthcare systems and resulted in the temporary pausing of National Health Service (NHS) Scotland Cervical Screening Programme. With several months backlogs appointments, there not only been a reduction primary samples being taken for human papilloma virus (HPV) testing but have also fewer women referred colposcopy investigation treatment precancerous or cancerous changes as result. Encouraging uptake cervical screening was always priority before pandemic, it is even more important now, considering that fears barriers may are now exacerbated by COVID-19. Objectives: This article explores impact on NHS Ayrshire & Arran evaluates potential strategies improve future such self-sampling telemedicine. Methods: presents evidence-based literature local health board data relating during pandemic. Results: Human carried out woman her home shown uptake, especially non-attenders, whilst maintaining high sensitivity and, crucially, reducing need face-to-face contact. Increased education key overcoming telemedicine can strengthen engagement with this time. Conclusion: There lessons be learned from we must use opportunity future.