title: Utilisation of co-testing  (human papillomavirus DNA testing and cervical cytology) after treatment of CIN: - a survey of GPs' awareness and knowledge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients have an increased risk of persistent/recurrent cervical disease if they received treatment for a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Consequently, understanding whether co-testing (human papillomavirus [HPV] DNA testing and cervical cytology) is fully utilised by general practitioners (GPs) is paramount.
  
  
  METHODS
  After consultation with key stakeholders, an anonymous, self-completion questionnaire was developed and disseminated to GPs who had provided cervical cytology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses were received from 745 GPs (30.9% response rate). A significant number (34.3%) of GPs were unaware of the use of co-testing (HPV DNA testing and cervical cytology) for the management of patients after HSIL treatment. Additionally, the majority of GPs reported they did not 'always' receive a clear follow-up plan for patients after treatment of an HSIL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GPs require further support and education to ensure successful adoption of co-testing (HPV DNA testing and cervical cytology), specifically, for patients treated for an HSIL.
authors: BExSc, MSc, PhD Candidate, Senior Program Officer (Research), WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program, Perth, WA.
authors: Aime
authors: A
authors: Munro
authors: Jim
authors: J
authors: Codde
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Semmens
authors: Yee
authors: Y
authors: Leung
authors: Katrina
authors: K
authors: Spilsbury
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: Williams
authors: Nerida
authors: N
authors: Steel
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Cohen
authors: Heidi
authors: H
authors: Pavicic
authors: Vicki
authors: V
authors: Westoby
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: O'Leary
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003585:Cell Biology; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D061809:Human Papillomavirus DNA Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D011247:Pregnancy; D065310:Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000821:virology