[Follow-up not according to guidelines after an abnormal cervix smear].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the recommendations for the follow-up after a positive cervical smear test, made within the Dutch national screening programme on cervical cancer, are followed in practice.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
The Rotterdam Municipal Health Services Area.


METHODS
All cytological and clinical-histological findings on women who had a Pap smear of at least Pap class IIIA in the period 1989-1991, were collected from the Pathological Anatomical National Automised Archives (PALGA). Per smear test result, the cervix-cytological and histological examinations that took place after the screening programme were arranged in order of occurrence.


RESULTS
61% of the women with Pap class IIIA had been followed according to the recommendations, in 12% no follow-up had been done. Repeat cytology was often done much later than after three months as recommended. After Pap class IIIB, IV or V smear test outcome the recommendations were followed in respectively over half, about three-quarters, and all cases. In 9% of women with Pap class IIIB or IV, no follow-up was recorded in the PALGA data base.


CONCLUSIONS
Often, the recommendations for follow-up after a positive smear were followed poorly. Further research into the problems in the follow-up route is necessary.
Kreuger
F A
FA
Gemeentelijke Geneeskundige Dienst Rotterdam e.o., afd. Epidemiologie en Beleid, Rotterdam.
Beerman
H
H
Nijs
H G
HG
Wijnen
J A
JA
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears
Follow-up na een afwijkend cervixuitstrijkje niet conform de adviezen.