What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

Information on cancer/non-cancer screening programmes is still reliant on paper-based methods of communication.  This results in wasted resources, unused appointments and there is evidence that this also widens health inequalities. The current screening pathways produce unintended waste, within NHS Scotland annually sending out over 4 million invites and prompts to attend screening, full colour leaflets and FIT tests for bowel screening.  The programmes delivery also places an unnecessary burden on individuals by asking them to make their own screening appointments (cervical screening) and to find the screening information that is most suitable for them (e.g., information in other languages). This can increase health inequalities as those populations who require extra support to attend screening are often those who default from the screening programmes, despite needing greater access to preventative interventions. Our challenge is to develop a one-stop web-based platform to reduce screening waste and ensure equitable access for all.

What does your project aim to achieve?

1.      We wish to reduce screening inequalities by promoting equitable access to screening services by developing a one-stop web-based platform for the adult screening programmes in Scotland

2.      We wish to reduce unintended waste from screening programmes by reducing the need to send multiple reminders, prompts and screening kits to individuals and develop an online platform that can manage interactive screening services.

To address these aims we will develop an interactive platform that can aid the Scottish population to access screening information and appointments in a convenient and succinct location. This platform will encompass screening information, in many different formats, as well as interactive functions including:

• Booking screening appointments (allowing services to make available cancelled short notice appointments)
• Opting out of screening programmes.
• Virtually assisted informed consent for screening.
• Request replacement screening kits (bowel screening)
• Tours of local screening departments – how to access clinics.
• Receive results.

How will the project be delivered?

We plan to use a design led process to develop the best interactive screening programme serving the Scottish population. We would seek to develop the platform with continual feedback from those using it. This would start with developing the cervical screening arm of the platform before expanding into other screening programmes. As part of this test of change we will apply a test and retest framework to ensure that we design the best product for patients and the public.

Dundee is the international epicentre of gaming, best known for Grand Theft Auto and Mine Craft.  There is wealth of local digital companies and academic researchers who are eager to work with us on developing and applying the principles of gamification and decision making within a public health, public benefit programme that can evidence improved outcomes for the population of Scotland and wider.

How is your project going to share learning?

• Local and national conferences
• Publish open access paper detailing development methodology and impact on screening attendance.
• We will actively seek input from other Q members throughout and encourage wider adoption of an online screening booking forum.
• Recommendations to Scottish and UK National screening committees.