Reducing unnecessary cervical cancer screenings

De-Implementation of Low-Value Cervical Cancer Screening

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10899501

This study is looking at ways to help doctors and patients avoid unnecessary cervical cancer screenings that can cause stress and lead to extra treatments, so they can focus on what’s really needed for better health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10899501 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to effectively reduce the overuse of cervical cancer screenings, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and psychological stress for patients. It will test different strategies aimed at both patients and healthcare providers to decrease the frequency of screenings that are not aligned with current guidelines. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with approximately 200 clinicians and 2,400 patients in primary care and gynecology clinics, comparing these strategies to standard care. By understanding the factors that contribute to successful de-implementation, the research aims to improve patient care and reduce the harms associated with overscreening.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who are currently undergoing cervical cancer screening and may be affected by overscreening practices.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cervical cancer screening or those who are already receiving appropriate screening based on current guidelines may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more appropriate cervical cancer screening practices, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving patient well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in implementing strategies to improve screening practices, but this specific focus on de-implementation of low-value screenings is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.