University of the West of England

CLEAR Study

Improving engagement and experience in cervical screening: implementing the left lateral test position

The CLEAR Study aims to increase engagement with cervical screening and improve the experience of the test.

The study is exploring whether offering an alternative test position could make cervical screening more comfortable and encourage more people to attend. Cervical screening helps detect changes that can lead to cancer, but participation has declined in recent years, partly because some people find the traditional position uncomfortable.

CLEAR is investigating how offering the option of a left-side test position might affect people’s comfort and experience, and how healthcare teams could introduce this choice into routine care.

Morph solution

For the CLEAR Study, we developed a patient-facing website and animation to present key information in a clear and accessible format. We also created a second animation to explain the process to clinicians.

Patient Information Website – delivered as a single-page website. The site acts as a patient information resource, presenting high-level information in a simple and user-friendly way.
Patient Information Animation – a 2D explainer that explains the available screening options clearly and supports understanding ahead of an appointment.
Healthcare Professional Animation – an animation explaining the new screening approach and supporting clinicians introducing the left-side test position in practice.

The website and patient information animation are available in English, Polish, Urdu, Punjabi and Romanian, helping ensure accessibility for diverse communities.

We needed to present information to both patients and clinicians about positional choice in cervical screening, and it was essential that the animations were inclusive, sensitive, and clinically appropriate. The team at Morph fully understood this from the outset and delivered content that reflected those priorities with great care. They also translated the animations into four different languages, which has been very well received and has significantly broadened accessibility.

Dr Zoe Anchors, University of the West of England

CLEAR Study Patient video

This short animation explains the different positions you can choose for a cervical screening test.

Everyone is different.

We all have different bodies.

And we all have different needs.

But everyone with a cervix over the age of 25, no matter what they look like or how they identify, is advised to go for cervical screening and not put it off.

Cervical screening is important because it can find a common virus that can cause changes in the cells of the cervix.

If these changes are not treated, they could turn into cancer later on.

Some people feel embarrassed or worried about the test.

This might be because of negative experiences in the past, or because they think it will be uncomfortable.

We've learned that when people can make choices about how the test is done, they feel more in control and more at ease.

Did you know you can now choose the position for your cervical screening test?

You can choose to lie on your back with your legs bent up and parted.

Or you can lie on your left side with your legs slightly apart, resting on the bed.

Lying on your back might be physically difficult or cause anxiety.

Some people find it more relaxing to lie on their side, which can help make the test feel more comfortable.

Ask your doctor or nurse about your choice of positions before or during your appointment.

They will be able to guide you through the process.

Your health is important, so we want your cervical screening to be as comfortable as possible.

You can choose what works best for you.

Working with Morph on our project was a very positive experience. The entire team was approachable, responsive, and easy to communicate with throughout the project. They responded promptly to queries and were highly receptive to feedback, particularly when adaptations were required following our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) input.

Dr Zoe Anchors, University of the West of England