title: A proposal for cervical screening information systems in developing countries.
abstract: The effective and efficient delivery of cervical screening programs requires information for planning, management, delivery and evaluation. Specially designed systems are generally required to meet these needs. In many developing countries, lack of information systems constitutes an important barrier to development of comprehensive screening programs and the effective control of cervical cancer. Our report outlines a framework for creating such systems in developing countries and describes a conceptual model for a cervical screening information system. The proposed system is modular, recognizing that there will be considerable between-region heterogeneity in current status and priorities. The proposed system is centered on modules that would allow for the assembly and computerization of data on Pap tests, since these represent the main screening modality at the present time. Additional modules would process data and create and maintain a screening database (e.g., standardize, edit, link and update modules) and allow for the integration of other types of data, such as cervical histopathology results. An open systems development model is proposed, since it is most compatible with the goals of local stakeholder involvement and capacity-building.
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Oncology, Cancer Care Ontario, 620 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2L7. loraine.marrett@cancercare.on.ca
authors.forename: Loraine D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Marrett
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robles
authors.forename: Fredrick D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Ashbury
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Goel
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Luciani
mesh_terms: D019992:Databases as Topic; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*