Pavilion Health Today
Supporting healthcare professionals to deliver the best patient care

GPs urged to make most of cancer screening dashboard

GPs are being urged to help to improve rates of potentially lifesaving cervical screening by making the most of an innovative online data tool.

GPs are being urged to help to improve rates of potentially lifesaving cervical screening by making the most of an innovative online data tool.

The interactive data dashboard provides in-depth information on screening levels, and shows where they could be improved. The dashboard was launched a year ago by NHS Digital, Public Health England (PHE) and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

CCGs, GP practices and local authorities can look up their data to see where to focus work on improving coverage rates of the test.

During Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has welcomed efforts by CCGs who have used the information €“ and urged more providers and commissioners to do the same.

Cervical screening coverage in England has decreased in each of the last three years, annual figures published by NHS Digital show.

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: €œCervical screening attendance is in decline and it is only through concerted and collaborative action that we are going to see this trend reverse.

€œThere is some fantastic and innovative work being undertaken across the country to increase awareness and attendance of the test and it is important that we recognise and celebrate this.

€œBeing able to access up-to-date data is vital to understanding where to focus efforts, measure impact of activity and flag where support might be needed so I would encourage everyone involved in increasing attendance to make use of the data dashboard.€

The dashboard includes data by local authority, CCG and GP practice, and is updated on a quarterly basis.

It is already being used by CCGs across the country €“ for example, Merton CCG used the data to understand their coverage rates and then worked with GP practices to promote the importance of getting women to take the tests.

The CCG also worked in collaboration with the Merton Cancer Task Group to further raise awareness.

Dr Shweta Singh, Merton Macmillan GP and Merton Clinical Commissioning Group lead on cancer said: €œWe have worked in collaboration with our local GP practices to make the best use of this data on the dashboard.

€œWe are aware that screening levels could be better and are soon launching extra screening clinics to reach more women. It is so important that women take these tests as the earlier we can detect any changes, the better we can prevent cervical cancer and ultimately save lives.€

Pritpal Rayat, Information Analysis Lead at NHS Digital and Responsible Statistician for Screening and Immunisations, said: €œThis dashboard offers up-to-date and detailed information that users can readily access.

€œIt is great to see that a year after it has launched, the data is being used to see where coverage levels could be improved and to target efforts in those areas.

€œThe NHS has been at the forefront of innovation ever since its inception.

€œAs the 70th birthday of the NHS is commemorated this year, this is a great example of how improving access to data can have a direct effect on healthcare and patients.€

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read more ...

Privacy & Cookies Policy