Health screening: equity in screening strategy 2023 to 2026

Appendix 1: Strategy Action Plan

Introduction

Our vision is for equity in access for all eligible people, across the full screening pathway. To achieve this, we must make incremental steps towards delivering our six long-term outcomes. This high-level plan outlines the actions we will take over the next three years (2023 to 2026) as we begin to implement the Strategy.

Actions are set out towards achieving each of the six long-term outcomes. They apply across all six national screening programmes, unless otherwise stated. Responsible lead organisations are identified. Many of the actions will require engagement with wider partners also. Timescales are given for each action, indicating when the screening system will see a level of output over the next three years. While some actions can be taken forwards within existing resource, the progress of certain actions may depend on availability of additional resource.

We are at the very beginning of implementing the Strategy. Many of the actions identified for the first three years reflect the work needed at a national level, to then support more local action. For example, the need to improve our national communications, our national data collection, and our national IT systems. There are some actions for screening Programme Boards and NHS Boards to take forward.

The Strategy aspires to address inequalities across the full screening pathway and for all national screening programmes. Previously our national communications and data collection have concentrated on the initial screening test stage. We need to gain a better understanding of the data, resources, and processes for the later stages in the pathway, to inform appropriate actions to take in the future.

The National Screening Oversight Board (NSOB) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and delivery of the Strategy and Action Plan. An 'Equity Strategy Implementation Group' will provide NSOB with detailed assurance of this.

The action plan will be updated over the course of the Strategy and provide an opportunity for current actions to develop and new actions to be considered, for example placing a greater emphasis on equity across the full screening pathway. The National Screening Oversight team will also lead a review of the Strategy and Action Plan within three years.

Outcome 1a: All eligible people are aware of the relevant national screening programmes, understand the benefits and harms of screening, and can make an informed personal choice with regards to their engagement across the screening pathway.

Outcome 1b: Professionals working to support the national screening programmes are knowledgeable of the inequalities that exist across the screening pathway and use effective interventions to reduce inequalities.

Outcome 2: We have a strategic approach to identifying, addressing, and removing barriers to participants across the screening pathway.

Outcome 3: We collect and use data on a wider range of person characteristics to strengthen our understanding of where inequalities exist across the screening pathway.

Outcome 4: We ensure action to reduce inequalities in screening is evidence-based and have a robust and consistent approach to evaluating the impact of interventions.

Outcome 5: We have a whole system approach to tackling inequalities in screening. Reducing inequalities is recognised by all as a priority and is supported by the screening governance groups and the commitment of all partners.