The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners最新文献

{"title":"Artificial intelligence in primary care: a plausible prospect or distant delusion?","authors":"Nouf Aldhelaan, Paul McNamara","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X741645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X741645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) offers an innovative means of changing primary care, yet the impressions of primary care professionals (PCPs) on this potentially revolutionary resource remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine PCPs' understanding of AI in primary care.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was performed analysing the impressions of various PCPs on the role and perceived benefits of AI in primary care. A questionnaire was developed, assessing perceptions towards AI and responder demographics. This was delivered as a survey on Qualtrics software, among different PCPs including trainees and medical students. Responses were collected over 7 days and subsequently analysed using Microsoft Excel.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 60 responses collected, only 10.00% currently use AI in clinical practice. Obstacles impeding AI use include '[being] unsure of current options', having 'almost no guidance on this', and patient technological inexperience particularly among primary care practices in deprived areas. Overall, 35.59% felt unconfident in their knowledge of AI and 54.39% were uncertain of the current/prospective benefits of AI. Despite these uncertainties, 53.45% of responders anticipate the incorporation of AI into primary care practice within the next 5 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Many PCPs feel unconfident in their knowledge of AI - irrespective of responder demographics - with over half of responders being unsure of AI's potential benefits within primary care. Barriers to acceptance of AI include PCP and patient factors. Yet, with most responders anticipating the incorporation of AI into primary care practice soon, an imminent need to increase awareness and guidance regarding the applications of AI in primary care is evident.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex and gender considerations in UK clinical guidelines: a systematic review of 197 NICE guidelines.","authors":"Marina Politis, Rachel Fowden-Hulme, Alice Witt, Kate Womersley","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X742353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X742353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite growing recognition of sex and gender differences in disease presentation and treatment responses, clinical guidelines often fail to address these variables, risking patient safety.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine how many NICE clinical guidelines incorporate sex and/or gender considerations, and to analyse gender composition of guideline committees.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study reviewed 197 non-sex-specific NICE guidelines, evaluating whether they mentioned sex or gender beyond pregnancy and childbirth. Secondary outcomes included whether sex and/or gender were considered in disease risk, presentation, and management and perceived gender of guideline committee chairs and members.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 223 guidelines, 197 assessed a non-sex-specific condition. 120 referenced sex or gender related terminology, of which only 81 deployed this terminology outside of pregnancy and childbearing. Only 4 (2%) of guidelines stated sex/gender differences related to disease pathophysiology, 18 guidelines (9%) related to disease presentation, 29 (15%) related to investigations, and 38 (19%) related to epidemiology.Of 162 published committee chairs, 126 (76%) were men. Committees chaired by women produced clinical guidelines which better account for sex and gender.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Recommendations related to sex and gender are underreported in NICE guidelines. Women are underrepresented as committee chairs, failing to reflect participation in the healthcare workforce. Meaningful change will require systematic, whole sector progress to integrate sex and/or gender disaggregated research into clinical guidelines. In the UK, the MESSAGE project has co-design a sex and gender policy framework for funding and regulatory organisations, supporting policy implementation across the UK research sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating 'flow' transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for treatment of depression at home.","authors":"Sindhuja Suresh, Mark McConnochie, Sherif Abdalla, Chris Griffiths, Harmony Jiang","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X742293","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X742293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Flow transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a wearable device paired with software-driven behavioural therapy training, which allows patients to self-treat depression at home. Research supports tDCS's effectiveness in treating depression, one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study evaluates the effectiveness of flow tDCS by analysing response and remission rates in depressed patients under the Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment (CRT) service. It aims to assess improvements in depressive symptoms, functional capabilities, and health-related quality of life.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This open-label cohort study, without a control group, included 53 patients from the CRT service-37 males and 16 females, aged 20-77 years (mean age = 42.5 years). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after a 6-week intervention using self-report measures: the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed improvement and remission rates on the PHQ-9 of 53.9% and 14.3%, respectively. Throughout the 6-week intervention, PHQ-9 and WSAS scores decreased significantly, showing a large effect size. Moreover, EQ-5D-5L scores exhibited substantial improvements in both the health index and global health assessment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integration of Flow into a CRT service showed benefits in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing functioning and quality of life. Given the evidence supporting tDCS as an effective treatment for depression, its broader implementation in primary care settings should be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Key stakeholders perceptions of pharmacist independent prescribing within community pharmacies in Wales: a qualitative study.","authors":"Najala Alshakmobarak, Rhian Deslandes, Karen Hodson","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X742257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X742257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Independent prescribing is defined as the responsibility for decision-making, including the prescribing of medications based on patient assessments for both diagnosed and undiagnosed conditions. The Independent Prescribing Service (IPS) in Wales enables qualified pharmacists to prescribe medications and manage patient care within community pharmacies, under a structured NHS contract.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore the perception of key stakeholders on IPS within community pharmacies across Wales.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Participants were identified through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews, with consent, were conducted with key stakeholders, including representatives from the Welsh Government, Local Health Boards Community Pharmacy Leads, and active community pharmacist prescribers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study was approved by the Cardiff School of Pharmacy Ethics Committee and the Research and Development (R&D) department from the relevant Health Boards (HBs) in Wales.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen participants were interviewed, revealing key themes such as the benefits of IPS in improving patient access to care and reducing GP workloads. However, several barriers were identified, including inconsistencies in IPS practices, workforce limitations, and infrastructure challenges. Participants highlighted the need for future research, particularly patient satisfaction surveys, to explore views of IPS from a user perspective.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concludes that the integration of the IPS within community pharmacies is widely supported by stakeholders, who recognise its role in improving patient care, enhancing pharmacy services, and elevating the professional status of pharmacists. Future research will include patient satisfaction surveys to further explore IPS and optimise service delivery based on user feedback.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution and quality of private GP practices in England: a cross-sectional analysis.","authors":"Joseph Hutchinson, Michael Anderson, Harriet Bullen, Zara Kurdo, Matt Sutton","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X741753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X741753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Public surveys have indicated increasing demand for private GP services amidst difficulty in accessing NHS GP services. However, little is known regarding the location and quality of private GP practices.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine the distribution of private GP practices in England, their relationship with NHS GP practices and comparative quality measures.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We identified all private GP practices registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, as of April 2024. We used negative binomial regression to analyse the number of private GP practices within 10 km of NHS GP practices and patient reported access and continuity as well as the market environment and practice characteristics. We used ordinal logistic regression to compare quality ratings between all private and NHS GP practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Characteristics associated with the count of nearby private GP practices included average population income (IRR 1.07, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.08), patient satisfaction with NHS appointment wait (IRR 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.13) and continuity (IRR 0.96, 95% CI= 0.94 to 0.98), proportion of community from ethnic minority (IRR 1.11, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.14), NHS GPs per 10 000 patients (IRR 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.04), community deprivation (IRR 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88 to 0.92) and urban location (IRR 2.15, 95% CI = 1.71 to 2.69). Quality ratings were similar between private and NHS GPs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Private GP services are more common in more affluent areas with greater supply of and access to NHS GPs. This may exacerbate inequalities in access to GP services between richer and poorer areas, when considering access to both NHS and private GP services.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship between aspirational income and GP job satisfaction: Repeated cross-sectional study.","authors":"Benjamin Walker, Michael Anderson, Ravi Ganepola, Joseph Hutchinson, Jonathan Gibson, Sean Urwin, Katherine Checkland, Matt Sutton","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X741885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X741885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Income from employment is known to be a key driver of job satisfaction, although little is known to what extent this relationship exists for GPs working in England.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine whether GP job satisfaction is affected by aspirational income (continuous) as well as actual income received (categorical).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We analysed responses to four waves of the national GP Worklife Survey between 2015 and 2021. We used linear regression to look at how aspirational income impacts 10 domains of job satisfaction, when conditional on actual income received. This was adjusted for contract status, gender, age, years qualified, and hours worked per week.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The interquartile range for aspirational income was between £90 000 and £150 000, the most reported actual income was between £90 000-£110 000. Higher aspirational income, conditional on actual income, was associated with reduced overall GP job satisfaction (-0.092, 95% CI = -0.108 to -0.076). The largest reductions in job satisfaction were with remuneration (-0.193, 95% CI = -0.210 to -0.177), and amount of responsibility given (-0.081, 95% CI = -0.098 to -0.063). Stratified analysis found little difference by gender, level of experience, or whether GPs reported being a senior partner. Greater reductions in satisfaction with remuneration were found for GP partners (-0.205, 95% CI = -0.223 to 0.188) than for salaried or locum GPs (-0.126, 95% CI= -0.179 to -0.073).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Discrepancy between what GPs report as adequate income for their job and actual income is a key driver of GP job satisfaction. Addressing this issue will require changes in working conditions and responsibilities or increases in reimbursement.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intrauterine systems and gynaecological malignancies: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.","authors":"Alice Lessa, Anna Podlasek","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X742329","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X742329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The intrauterine system (IUS) is globally recognised as a reliable, safe, and cost-effective form of contraception.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses aims to synthesise current evidence regarding the association between IUS usage and the risk of gynaecological malignancies, specifically ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases was conducted up to July 2024 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining any type of IUS in relation to gynaecological cancers. The screening and data extraction processes adhered to PRISMA guidelines and random-effects meta-analysis was employed for data synthesis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 323 titles and abstracts were screened, leading to the review of 40 full texts and the inclusion of 21 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. In the preliminary analysis, 10 individual studies reported on ovarian cancer, 9 on endometrial cancer, and 8 on cervical cancer, all indicating a decreased odds ratio for cancer associated with ever-use of the IUS (0.68 [95% CI = 0.56 to 0.83], 0.41 [95% CI = 0.31 to 0.54], and 0.60 [95% CI = 0.46 to 0.79], respectively; all <i>P</i><0.001). Additionally, two studies on breast cancer showed a non-statistically significant increased odds ratio (1.21 [95% CI = 0.90 to 1.61], <i>P</i> = 0.21).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ever-use of intrauterine contraception is associated with a reduced risk of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, while suggesting a potential increase in breast cancer risk. These findings can inform patient counselling to better balance the benefits and risks of IUS use.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Digital disconnection from primary care in North-West England: identifying who needs support to access health care in the digital era.","authors":"Anna Evans, Rowan Pritchard Jones, Katherine Knighting, Greg Irving","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X741909","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X741909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As reliance on technology for many daily activities, including healthcare increases, so do the barriers and potential marginalisation for people who are not digitally enabled. Here we report specific, descriptive epidemiological findings of patients who are digitally disconnected from primary care services. Landlines will be disconnected in 2027, meaning that people who rely on their landline will become totally disconnected from primary care unless alternative connection is provided.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the impact of digital disconnection on access to primary care.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Retrospective cohort study of CIPHA data for patients in St Helens, North-West England (<i>n</i> = 201 129). Digital disconnection defined as absence of mobile phone number and email address in the GP records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total disconnection from primary care 2382 (1.2%). Landline connection only 9185 (4.6%). Digital disconnection rate 5.8% (<i>n</i> = 11 567). The rate increased if <18year olds were excluded. Most frequently affected age group ≥80 years: 4609 (39.9%). >50% live in most deprived deciles: IMD 1-4: 7387 (64%). Rates of disconnection peak for those with no long-term conditions or extreme levels of multimorbidity: 0 long-term conditions (LTCs): 3781 (32.7%), ≥8 LTCs: 934 (8.1%). Rates of GP consultation are significantly lower, with greater proportion of home visits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Digital disconnection from primary care affects significant number of patients, is likely to affect the whole family and is marked with the extreme of old age and social deprivation. Analysis of GP consultation patterns reveal lower rates, despite higher levels of multimorbidity in this population. Analysis of secondary care use is ongoing. Patterns and association will aid local healthcare providers to tailor services for better health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Types of primary care visits and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Orit Cohen Castel, Cheryl Zlotnick","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X742341","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X742341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic changed the nature of primary care visits, from face-to-face to an increasing prevalence of online or telephone visits, but little is known about the association between types of primary care visits and vaccine hesitancy.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine the association between primary care visit type and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.</p><p><strong>Design and setting: </strong>A retrospective cohort study for the period of 9.2019 to 9.2022 was conducted using randomly selected medical records from a large HMO on adults with at least one visit with the primary care physician between 1.12.2019 to 30.11.2020 (the exposure period).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Logistic regression models were used to test the association between primary care visit type and full COVID-19 vaccination status after adjusting for socio-demographic, clinical, and health behaviour characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the final cohort (<i>n</i> = 173 779), 126 204 (72.6%) were fully vaccinated. Logistic regression model findings indicated that male adults who used online asynchronous visits, lived in a city, had hypertension and/or diabetes, and received seasonal influenza vaccine were more likely to obtain full vaccination. Less likely to obtain full vaccination were adults who used telephone visits, had high numbers of face-to-face visits, had low socioeconomic status and were ≥60 years old (<i>P</i><0.001 for all).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Primary care visit type during the COVID-19 pre-vaccination period predicts vaccine hesitancy. Physicians' awareness of patients who avoid using newer forms of technology-based visits, may allow the provision of targeted interventions to improve health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144130052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the barriers contributing to 'missingness' of patients from deep-end practices within the cervical smear screening programme.","authors":"Katherine Martin, Paul McNamara","doi":"10.3399/bjgp25X741621","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp25X741621","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Cervical Smear Programme in the UK is crucial for early detection of cervical cancer and screening for human papillomavirus (HPV). However, participation remains below targets with 65.8% of eligible women aged 25-49 years engaging as of December 2023, this disproportionately affects the most at-risk individuals.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This cross-sectional survey aimed to identify barriers in deep-end GP practices preventing participation in cervical screening and develop strategies to reduce 'missingness', a term describing the tendency to disengage from healthcare despite offers of care.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>401 patients were identified using the Scottish Cervical Call Recall System, at a deep-end GP practice who had recently defaulted from their smear. From this, 54 patients were selected: those who had either previous abnormal results or defaulted 4 or more smears.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey identified several barriers to participation, including mental health issues, fear related to previous abnormal results, work commitments, and health illiteracy. Specific concerns included difficulties scheduling around work or caregiving responsibilities and anxiety related to the process with some expressing misunderstandings regarding the safety of the smear test.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overcoming these barriers requires tailored interventions, such as flexible appointment scheduling, increased education on the importance of cervical screening, and opportunistic screening during other healthcare visits. Addressing these barriers could improve participation rates and reduce health disparities. The survey has limitations in the form of small sample size and time constraints. There is a need for further research with a larger group to validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":520790,"journal":{"name":"The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners","volume":"75 suppl 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144130053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}