The successful collaboration between iPLATO and NHS East of England has been shortlisted for the Most Effective Contribution to Improving Cancer Outcomes at the 2024 HSJ Partnership Awards.
The initiative was designed to increase the attendance rate of cervical screening across the East of England, working in line with the NHS Long Term Plan which sets out ambitions to increase cancer survival rates, and detect cancer earlier.
“We’re proud that together with NHS East of England, our efforts have been recognised by HSJ for supporting cancer outcome improvements across the region. Applying digital-first thinking in new ways continues to drive innovation, and ultimately makes a difference to patient’s lives.” – Tobias Alpsten, CEO and Founder of iPLATO
Patients are twice as likely to attend their screening appointment
The programme focused on leveraging innovative patient engagement solutions to reach millions of patients across the region. Results showed a significant increase in screenings. In the most deprived population (IMD 1) uptake was 34.3% with the intervention compared to only 18.1% for those who only received a letter. “Our collaboration with iPLATO has significantly benefitted our patients through achieving greater, and earlier, screening levels across our Integrated Care Boards” explained Samar Pankanti, Public Health System Transformation Lead at NHS England and NHS East of England.
The project showed promising results after 6 months of implementation with data presenting a doubling in attendance among individuals who received screening communications compared to those who received only letters. The intervention also brought screening earlier from invite to attendance across the East of England. “It’s making a real difference to the lives of the women we serve.” Pankanti continued.
In the UK, one in four women do not respond to invitations for cervical screening. Cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of developing cervical cancer and 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be avoided if all eligible women participated in cervical screening.
The HSJ Partnership Awards recognise the most effective collaborations with the NHS and highlight the benefits which working with the private and third sectors can bring to patients and NHS organisations.