This paper describes the strategies that were implemented to increase participation in breast screening in 2005 and 2007 in a rural general practice with a high Māori population, following the identification of issues that had adversely affected participation in 2003. The strategies were designed to increase local involvement and reduce barriers to participation, through facilitating the provision of information about and promotion of breast screening, improving the identification of eligible women, and improving the registration and appointment making processes. In 2003, less than 45% of eligible women (aged 50–64 years) underwent breast screening. Following the introduction of the strategies, breast screening coverage was 97.9% in 2005 and 97.6% in 2007. The authors note that the strategies used did not require new services or resources; they required only local input, flexibility and collaboration between existing services.
