Aggregated results of a questionnaire survey about cytology specimens conducted by a fixed-point observation

Abstract

Objective : The purpose of this report was to clarify the significance of a questionnaire survey conducted by a fixed-point observation continued for 15 years.

Study design : From 2000 to 2014, a questionnaire survey was performed to determine the numbers of screening cases, cytotechnologists and board-certified medical doctors in Hokkaido, Miyagi and Kumamoto prefectures, and the results were aggregated.

Results : The total number of screening cases in 2014 was higher, at 9.8%, compared to the number in 2003. In particular, the increase in the number of registered clinical laboratories was significant. Although the number of gynecological cases increased, that of respiratory cases decreased significantly. The number of cytotechnologists and board-certified medical doctors increased whereas that of full-time-clinicians decreased. The daily number of cases of cytotechnologists per capita decreased from 15.4 to 13.6. The difference in the ratio between cytotechnologists and board-certified medical doctors among facilities was significant.

Conclusion : The changes in the numbers of gynecological and respiratory cases were synchronous with those in the rates of cancer screening by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The results suggested a substantial contribution of cytology to cancer screening, however, several problems associated with facilities and cytology employees were identified.