Primary hrHPV screening offers improved protection against cervical cancer compared to cytology-based screening and enables extension of the screening interval. In the Netherlands, this method will be introduced as well as the option for non-responders to receive a self-sampling device. The introduction of the new screening policy requires indicators to be monitored allowing rapid adaptations. Furthermore, indicators for long-term impact are needed. We defined a new set of quality indicators dedicated to primary hrHPV screening for cervical cancer.
Requirements for quality assurance and impact evaluation of the new population-based screening programme, were defined in a working group “Quality, Monitoring and Evaluation” and were discussed with international experts.
The proposed indicators involve monitoring at different levels including performance of laboratories, accuracy of the chosen screening test and indicators to monitor the entire screen chain (participation of the population using clinician- and self-samples, test positivity and PPV of screen and triage tests, referral rate, complicance with repeat and diagnostic testing). Furthermore, indicators for long-term monitoring on effectiveness were proposed (e.g. are the new test and strategies leading to the planned outcomes). To facilitate evaluation and monitoring databases, new IT configurations were established.
Internationally agreed uniform indicators will enable to adapt timely and improve early steps in the screening and follow-up process of the new screening programme and provide insight in long-term effectiveness of the hrHPV screening in the Netherlands and elsewhere.