Improving uptake of breast screening in multiethnic populations: a randomised controlled trial using practice reception staff to contact non-attenders.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a two hour training programme for general practice reception staff could improve uptake in patients who had failed to attend for breast screening, and whether women from different ethnic groups benefited equally.


METHODS
Controlled trial, randomised by general practice.


METHODS
Inner London borough of Newham.


METHODS
2064 women aged 50-64 years who had failed to attend for breast screening. Women came from 26 of 37 eligible practices, 31% were white, 17% were Indian, 10% Pakistani, 14% black, 6% Bangladeshi, 1% Chinese, 4% were from other ethnic groups, and in 16% the ethnic group was not reported.


METHODS
Attendance for breast screening in relation to ethnic group in women who had not taken up their original invitation.


RESULTS
Attendance in the intervention group was significantly better than in the control group (9% v 4%). The response was best in Indian women--it was 19% in the intervention group and 5% in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
This simple, low cost intervention improved breast screening rates modestly. Improvement was greatest in Indian women--probably because many practice staff shared their cultural and linguistic background. This intervention could be effective as part of a multifaceted strategy to improve uptake in areas with low rates.
Atri
J
J
London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary and Westfield College, London.
Falshaw
M
M
Gregg
R
R
Robson
J
J
Omar
R Z
RZ
Dixon
S
S
D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003142:Communication; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D016312:Treatment Refusal