HEA guidelines for a letter to invite women for a smear test: theory and practice

Abstract

INVITATION letters used in computer-managed cer vical screening schemes in the 190 health districts of England were assessed in relation to the Health Edu cation Authority's guidelines for a cervical screening invitation letter. A scoring system was developed. Three types of letter were identified - call, recall and combined (used for both call and recall). Many items of information were missing from the letters, and the mean score was disappointingly low. We discuss the reasons for this, and end with a set of recommen dations for health authorities keen to improve their health education material.