Developing and Implementing HPV SCREENED

Developing and Implementing HPV SCREENED (Self-Collection REach and ENgagement in Emergency Departments) to Improve Cancer Equity

This study will assess the feasibility of implementing HPV self-sampling as a primary cervical cancer screening strategy for under-screened women in the emergency department (ED). Eligible participants will receive education and an HPV self-sampling kit to complete in the ED. Individuals with HPV-positive results will be guided to follow-up care at a local clinic.

The proposed study will implement HPV self-sampling as primary cervical screening for under-screened ED patients. The long-term goal is to increase access to cervical screening for women who may not routinely use primary care and thus face increased risk of cervical cancer. This pilot feasibility trial will implement HPV self-sampling kit distribution and navigation to follow-up care in the ED. The investigators hypothesize that ED-based in-person distribution and same-day return of HPV self-sampling kits will alleviate issues of prior mailed HPV self-sampling trials by reducing participant burden. Women (30-65 years with non-critically ill presentations) who present to the ED and are overdue for cervical screening will receive 1) cervical cancer screening education and 2) a HPV self-sampling kit where they return the kit immediately after self-sampling in the ED. ScreenNJ will navigate participants with HPV-positive results to follow-up care and management according to current standard guidelines at local clinics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• biological women,
• no prior hysterectomy or cervical cancer,
• not pregnant,
• last Pap >3 years, last co-test >5 years, or last HPV alone test >5 years,
• speak English or Spanish,
• has a working cellphone,
• NJ residency
• ED patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• currently pregnant (as diagnostic procedures for cervical cancer are often deferred during pregnancy);
• previous hysterectomy;
• previous diagnosis of cervical cancer;
• current menses