Increasing Pap smear rates at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service through translational research and continuous quality improvement

Date

2015

Authors

Dorrington, Melanie
Herceg, Ana
Douglas, Kirsty
Tongs, Julie
Bookallil, Marianne

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Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

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.

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Citation

Source

Australian Journal of Primary Health

Type

Journal article

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Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2037-12-31