BBO Training

Course Overview

This half-day Cervical Cytology Update course is designed for healthcare professionals who are already trained cervical sample takers and require an update in line with NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) requirements.

The session provides a comprehensive, evidence-based update on cervical screening practice, including the 2025 changes to screening intervals, HPV primary screening, and programme developments.

Participants will explore current guidance relating to screening eligibility, appropriate testing, interpretation of results, and referral pathways. The course also focuses on practical aspects of sample taking, governance responsibilities, and the application of guidance within real-world clinical settings.

Teaching is case-based and clinically focused, supporting safe decision-making, reflective practice, and confidence in delivering high-quality cervical screening.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

• Practice Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Advanced Clinical Practitioners
• General Practitioners
• Sexual Health Clinicians

Participants must already be trained and competent in cervical sample taking. This is an update course and does not provide initial training.

What This Course Covers

The programme provides a structured update on:

• NHS Cervical Screening Programme overview and current policy
• HPV primary screening and cytology triage
• 2025 changes to screening intervals and eligibility
• Interpretation of HPV and cytology results
• Identifying when screening is appropriate and when referral is required
• Practical aspects of sample taking and transformation zone sampling
• Use of equipment and optimising sample quality
• Managing complex and special populations
• Addressing barriers to screening and improving uptake
• Documentation, audit, and sample taker responsibilities
• Failsafe systems and incident management

Where appropriate, recent programme developments and emerging evidence are discussed to ensure clinicians remain current and confident in practice.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply current NHSCSP guidance to cervical screening practice
• Implement the 2025 extended screening interval pathway appropriately
• Identify when cervical screening is indicated and when alternative referral pathways are required
• Interpret HPV and cytology results within the screening pathway
• Demonstrate understanding of governance, documentation and failsafe responsibilities
• Reflect on individual practice and identify areas for ongoing professional development

Course Format

Duration: Half-day (approximately 3 hours teaching time)

Delivery: Virtual or face-to-face

Format:

• Case-based discussion
• Interactive questioning and scenario analysis
• Application of national guidance to clinical practice
• Opportunity for peer discussion and reflection

Accreditation and Certification

This course is RCN Accredited until 17th March 2027.
The RCN cannot confirm competence of any practitioner.

This course is also accredited by the CPD Accreditation Service.
Certificate of attendance provided for CPD and revalidation purposes.