# Communicating abnormal cervical cancer screening results – a focus group study with general practitioners in Norway

## TL;DR

This study explores how general practitioners in Norway communicate abnormal cervical cancer screening results, especially with the shift to HPV testing.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into how GPs adapt their communication strategies and manage responsibilities during the transition to HPV-based cervical cancer screening.

## Key findings

- GPs aim to communicate abnormal results without causing unnecessary worry while ensuring proper follow-up.
- Professional judgment and reciprocal familiarity with patients guide how GPs tailor information and share responsibility.
- Strengthening communication tools could improve GPs' effectiveness in the screening program.

## Abstract

A gradual transition from cytology-based screening to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing within the cervical cancer screening program has resulted in new routines for follow-up, and new challenges for communication of abnormal test results. General practitioners (GPs) have an important role in the screening program, as they are the primary performers of the screening test, they communicate test results to patients and refer them to a specialist if necessary.

The study explores what consequences the introduction of HPV testing in the cervical cancer screening programme has for GPs’ professional practice and communication with patients.

Qualitative focus group study including 32 GPs in Central Norway who conduct screening tests within the cervical cancer screening programme.

The overall concern of the GPs was to communicate abnormal test results in a way that ensured appropriate follow-up, without causing unnecessary worry. Staying updated on revised screening guidelines and maintaining their role as medical experts when communicating results to patients could be challenging. GPs shared the responsibility for follow-up after an abnormal result between themselves, the women, and the screening programme. Reciprocal familiarity between GP and patient guided decisions about what and how to communicate, and how to balance the shared responsibility. GPs used their professional judgement to assess patients’ informational needs and tailored information accordingly.

GPs manage the challenges of communicating abnormal screening results by sharing responsibility and using their professional judgement. Strengthening support and communication tools may enhance their role in the screening programme.