Evaluation of Quality Indices after Measures Promoted by External Monitoring of the Quality of Cervical Cytopathology Exams Performed by SUS in Espírito Santo

Introduction:  In recent decades, despite efforts by the Ministry of Health to expand access to screening programs and monitor the quality of cytopathological exams, morbidity and mortality rates from cervical cancer in Brazil have remained high. The persistence of these rates suggests flaws in the programs, probably due to low population coverage, failures in monitoring, and errors in the process of collecting and interpreting tests. To improve the prevention and screening of cervical cancer in Espírito Santo, the External Quality Monitoring Unit (UMEQ/Lacen-ES) implemented, in 2023, actions in partnership with laboratories that provide services to the SUS.

Objective:  To evaluate the impact of these actions on the quality of cytopathological exams.

Method:  The study compared quality indicators of exams obtained through SISCAN from 2023 to the previous five years, as well as evaluating the indicators of each provider between the years 2022 and 2023.

Results:  Significant improvements were observed, such as increased diagnoses of precursor lesions and a more adequate proportion of diagnoses, reflecting greater effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer in the state. Furthermore, there was an improvement in the quality standards of laboratories throughout the period.

Conclusion:  The actions implemented by UMEQ/Lacen-ES will contribute to improving the tracking and prevention of the disease, although it is necessary to continue investing in new technologies and the application of protocols to ensure agility and safety in the treatment of patients.

Key words:
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control; Cervix Uteri/cytology; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Preventive Health Services