Led by Professor Sue Sherman and Dr Emma Kemp from the University of Sheffield and Dr Katie Wright-Bevans from Keele University, the workshop used a structured yet informal format designed to encourage open, non-hierarchical discussion among all attendees.
The team was joined by 32 delegates from across the UK, including Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Bristol, and Sheffield. The group brought together a vital mix of perspectives, including Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives, family members, personal assistants, NHS colleagues, charity partners, and members of the research team.
It was a privilege to host this event and to see the rich insights generated by everyone who attended. There were some really innovative suggestions as well as ideas for some quick wins to address the problems faced by physically Disabled women, and I am very hopeful that the final report will lead to positive change.
Professor Sue Sherman
During the session, the team presented their findings on the physical, person-centred, and structural problems physically Disabled patients face when trying to access cervical screening, as well as the potential role of HPV self-sampling. Attendees worked together to generate practical suggestions for how these challenges can be addressed to make screening more accessible moving forward.
Researchers are currently analysing the huge amount of data gathered throughout the day and this will inform a project report with recommendations as well as a journal article. Thanks to Siân and Rowan from More than Minutes who attended the event and captured the key discussion points in a visual infographic.