IMPACT IN GENERAL-PRACTICE OF THE POLICIES OF THE ORGANIZED APPROACH TO PREVENTING CANCER OF THE CERVIX

This cross-sectional survey of cancer screening in May 1996 used a nat ional random sample of a specified group of general practitioners (GPs ). The survey included items to assess the impact of the Organised App roach to the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (OAPCC). Of the 1,271 GPs w ho satisfied the eligibility criteria, 855 (67%) returned a completed questionnaire. Fifty-two per cent indicated they would be 'highly' lik ely to introduce a discussion about cervical smears to a 58-year-old w oman who was in good health and had come for a non-gynaecological cons ultation. Female sex, RACGP affiliation, practising in a metropolitan area and awareness of the OAPCC booklet were independent predictors of an opportunistic orientation. By contrast, 91% indicated that they wo uld be 'highly' likely to include a Pap smear in a general health chec kup. Thirty-eight per cent reported that they had found the booklet ab out the 1991 screening policy 'very' useful, while 38% found the NHMRC guidelines for the management of women with screen detected abnormali ties 'very' useful. Around one-fifth of the GPs were not aware of thes e documents. Overall, 19% still recommended annual or more frequent sc reening. GPs from NSW and Queensland were less likely to support bienn ial screening than GPs from other states. Overall, 26% of GPs did not indicate that they would refer a woman who had tested positive for any grade of CIN for colposcopic assessment. Female GPs were more likely to refer women with CIN for colposcopic assessment while older doctors were less likely to do so.