Women's views of the cervical smear test: implications for nursing practice — women who have had a smear test

This is the second of two papers reporting the findings of a study on the views of women with regards to the cervical smear test. In the first paper (vol. 18, no. 6), the views of those who have not had a smear test were analysed. In this paper, the views of women who have had a smear test are identified and analysed. The implications of those views for nursing practice in primary health care are explored. Conducted in 1989-1990, the ESRC-funded study was located in the north-east of England and drew respondents from two age groups living in working-class localities. Focusing upon the views of women who have had a smear test, a number of conclusions are evident: (a) that a high proportion of respondents were screened opportunistically; (b) that negative views of the service concerned fear and embarrassment and the lack of, or inadequacy of, an explanation; (c) that positive aspects of the service were staff attitudes, convenience and familiarity; and (d) an understanding of the cytology process and the aetiology of cervical cancer was not linked to the level of (non) involvement in the screening service. Thus the organization and delivery of the service might be reviewed. However, the negative views pose a number of problems that must be further explored through primary health care work encompassing all community-based health professionals.