General practitioner (GP) practices' perceptions of breast screening within the West Midlands

The West Midlands QA Reference Centre, together with the regional breast screening health promotion group, designed a breast screening information sheet for use by health professionals, to ensure that there is a consistent knowledge and appreciation of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) throughout GP practices.

Together with the information sheet, a questionnaire was issued to all GP practices in the West Midlands. The aim was to provide the QA Reference Centre with an insight into the ways in which breast screening is perceived in GP practices. Of the 1019 questionnaires distributed, 387 forms were returned, a response rate of 38%.

Overall, responses were effective in providing a good insight and a better understanding of the way that breast screening is perceived. The results showed most GP practices were excellent in promoting breast screening, and several practices worked collaboratively with Breast Screening Units in order to meet or exceed the standards necessary for the efficient and effective running of the NHSBSP.

It is anticipated that the introduction of the 'Practice Information Pack' will encourage and facilitate the promotion of breast screening and make primary care staff more aware of the significance of health promotion and the importance of encouraging breast screening in GP practices.