“My Heart Jumped. Do I Have Cancer?”—Results of a Co-design Study with Cervical Cancer Screening Participants

Abstract

Cervical cancer can be prevented by routinely taking cell samples from the cervix (screening). The frequency of screening is a crucial factor, and there is great potential to utilize the registry data from the cervical screening program for the benefit of both the screening participants and their doctors. However, with the constant emergence of new types of tests and guidelines, not only screening participants but also their doctors may become uncertain about what the test results mean and what follow-up procedures should be in place. The goal of this study was to explore how to present test results to participants in a way that supports optimal screening frequency without causing unnecessary worry. This chapter presents the results of co-design workshops engaging women in the target group. Through the use of personas, trigger questions, and trigger material, we explored the group’s current barriers and information needs. In all, 19 paper prototypes were produced during the workshops. Through a content analysis of the workshop material, we derived user requirements for a future digital tool intended to support optimal participation in the cervical screening program. We also report on lessons learned, threats to validity, and future research.