Improving written information for women about cervical screening: evidence-based criteria for the content of letters and leaflets

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Abstract
Over 3 million women in England have a smear test each year, and many of them will require further investigation and possibly treatment. The adverse psychological consequences associated with cervical screening are well estab lished. Written information is one effective strategy to help allay women's fears and concerns, but the quality of the information that women receive needs to be improved. This article describes the use of a systematic review of the literature to develop evidence-based criteria for the content of letters and leaflets for each stage of the cervical screening process form invitaion for the initial smear test to treatment. The methodology used in conducting the review is also described.