Effects of Information Technology–Based Two-Way Referral on Diagnosis and Management of Cervical Lesions: A Cluster-Controlled Trial in China

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of information technology–based 2-way referral in the diagnosis and management of cervical lesions in Minhang District, Shanghai, China. Women who underwent screening for cervical lesions in 4 community health centers constituted the intervention group, whereas women from the other 9 community health centers were included as controls. The diagnosis rate of cervical lesions was higher in the intervention group (7.61%) than in the control group (0.36%; P =.000). The diagnosis rate of early cervical lesion was 97.11% in the intervention group and 85.71% in the control group, showing no statistically significant differences (P =.080). However, early diagnosis rate of precancerous lesion was much higher in the intervention group (95.45%) compared with the control group (64.29%; P =.001). In conclusion, higher effectiveness of early diagnosis and management of cervical lesions was observed in the intervention group compared with the control group.