Gunvor Aasbø

• Staff, Anne Cathrine; Sjaavik, Anja Dusik; Noll, Josef; Sugulle, Meryam; Fiskå, Bendik Seth & Klovning, Atle [Vis alle 11 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Co-creation of a mobile health program (MumCare) for preventing maternal cardiovascular disease after pregnancy complications. Frontiers in Global Women's Health. 7. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2026.1717203. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Rivedal, Sunniva; Groven, Karen Synne & Aasbø, Gunvor (2025). Working mothers’ Bodily and Temporal Experiences of Caring for Small Children: A Phenomenological Study of the Mommy-Body. NORA - Nordic Journal of Feminist and Gender Research. ISSN 0803-8740. doi: 10.1080/08038740.2025.2550420. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  While embodiment and mother-child relations seem fruitful in explorations of pregnancy and breast-feeding, such perspectives are less evident in research on mothers’ experiences of caring for small children while working outside the home. To address this lacuna and provide fresh perspectives on stress and time management we ask: What characterizes the bodily and temporal experiences of mothers with small children in everyday life working and caring for their children? Using a qualitative design with a phenomenological lens, we argue for the relevance of the concept of the mommy-body: mothers experienced bodily sensitivity towards their small children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women in Norway working within different employment models and from various educational, occupational, and geographical backgrounds. Conducting thematic analysis, three complementary themes where developed reflecting different aspects of participants’ stress-related bodily and temporal experiences: “Balancing time to attend children’s need for closeness”; “Balancing time to accommodate children’s need for independence” and “Balancing time in the context of different work models”. Taken together, these findings imply the importance of a rhythmic, inter-corporeal temporality – one of being-with and separate-from one’s children – in working mothers’ experiences of stress and childcare.

• Aurén-Møkleby, Eva Margareta; Aasbø, Gunvor; Mengshoel, Anne Marit; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim & Thoresen, Lisbeth (2025). Kept at a Distance: A Qualitative Study of Bereaved Individuals’ Experiences of How Death Was Addressed When Their Partner Died at Home. Qualitative Health Research. ISSN 1049-7323. doi: 10.1177/10497323251328294. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Open awareness and dialogue concerning dying are considered essential for planning and realizing death at home. Moreover, much help and support throughout the dying process and death trajectory are provided by a person’s next of kin, often a spouse or partner. To explore how death was addressed among couples when one of the partners had died at home, we interviewed 14 bereaved individuals. The results were grouped into the following themes: “Idea(l)s and realities of communication,” “Different kinds of talks,” and “Unspoken understandings and showing without talking.” We found that prevailing narratives about how death should be discussed in socially and culturally expected ways affected how the bereaved addressed the imminent death of their partner, both at the time and in their retrospective reflections. In a few cases, death had been talked about directly using words such as “death” and “dying,” although indirect or avoidant discussions about death were more common. The bereaved mentioned unspoken understandings about how it was unnecessary to address death—that is, one just knew. In cases where the couple could not share a silent understanding, the bereaved had experienced loneliness. Death could also be addressed through actions, such as becoming closer or the ill person arranging for an easier subsequent life for their partner. To reduce the expectations that dying people and their partners might have to interact in certain ways at the end of life, it is important to acknowledge that awareness of dying can be expressed and shared in various ways.

• Aasbø, Gunvor & Solbrække, Kari Nyheim (2025). (Bio)makt, motmakt og kjønn. Ny kunnskap om hva som gjør at norske kvinner ikke går til livmorhalskreftscreening, Kjønn, helse og marginalisering. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202869090. s. 89–106. doi: 10.23865/cdf.249.ch5. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Remmel, Maali-Liina; Suija, Kadri; Markina, Anna; Tisler, Anna; Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Anda & Stankūnas, Mindaugas [Vis alle 10 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2025). Navigating the risks: Stakeholder views on risk-based cervical cancer screening. PLOS ONE. 20(3). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317986. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hansen, Bo Lars Thorvald Terning; Nygård, Mari Kiens; Castle, Phil E.; Burger, Emily Annika & Aasbø, Gunvor (2024). Sociodemographic characteristics associated with cervical cancer screening participation by send-to-all and opt-in HPV self-sampling: Who benefits? Results from a randomized controlled trial among long-term non-attending women in Norway. International Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0020-7136. 155(6), s. 1053–1067. doi: 10.1002/ijc.34989. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aurén-Møkleby, Eva Margareta; Aasbø, Gunvor; Fredheim, Olav Magnus Søndenå; Mengshoel, Anne Marit; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim & Thoresen, Lisbeth (2024). “It turned out right for both of us”: A qualitative study about a preference for home death and actual place of death. Death Studies. ISSN 0748-1187. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2369847. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This qualitative study was conducted in Norway to explore couples’ preference for home death when one of the partners was dying from cancer, and what made home death possible or not. We conducted dyad interviews with five couples. After the patients’ death, the spouses participated in individual interviews. The data were interpreted using thematic narrative analysis. One patient died at home, and three died in a healthcare institution. The narratives show how interdependency and mutual care were important when dealing with home death. When care needs were manageable at home, home was perceived a safe place and the preferred place for death. When care needs were experienced to become unmanageable at home, the sense of safety changed and admission to a health care institution was considered the best option. Regardless of place of death, the spouses experienced the end to have turned out right for their partner and themselves.

• Remmel, Maali-Liina; Suija, Kadri; Raudne, Riina; Tisler, Anna; Ķīvīte-Urtāne, Anda & Stankūnas, Mindaugas [Vis alle 10 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2024). Women’s perspectives on the acceptability of risk-based cervical cancer screening. BMC Cancer. 24(1). doi: 10.1186/s12885-024-13050-7. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background The increased knowledge of cervical cancer (CC) risk factors and suboptimal performance of present screening programs has generated interest in shifting from a universal screening approach to one based on individual risk assessment. To inform the future development of risk-based CC screening programs, it is crucial to gain insight into the factors influencing the acceptability of such approach among screening target group women. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the acceptability of risk-based CC screening and to identify potential barriers. Methods In this qualitative study, one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample including women aged 30–65 years to explore women’s perspectives on the acceptability of risk-based CC screening. The study was conducted in Estonia, and interviews were conducted from March to September 2023. Potential participants were approached in person by a member of the study team or by their healthcare providers at primary care or gynaecology clinics. The interview guides were developed based on the concept of acceptability of healthcare interventions. Results Twenty participants (mean age 44.5, SD = 8.6) with diverse backgrounds were interviewed. The seven components of acceptability (affective attitude, burden, ethicality, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, self-efficacy, and intervention coherence) were explored as key themes. Generally, women supported risk-based screening. However, we identified several factors that may compromise the acceptability of risk-based screening. The participants were reluctant to accept less intense screening for low-risk women and anticipated that if risk-based approach was implemented, more frequent testing would remain an option. Providing in-person clinician support was expected, requiring additional healthcare resources. Knowledge gaps in CC prevention highlighted the need for accessible information and education. Most women were unworried about sensitive data inclusion in risk score calculations. However, some participants were concerned about potential confidentiality breaches by healthcare workers. Conclusion This study indicates that risk-based CC screening is acceptable, except for testing low-risk women less frequently. Our findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive understanding of the needs and concerns of the target group women for program development. Healthcare organizations are required to proactively address these needs by implementing comprehensive information dissemination and efficient communication approaches.

• Aurén-Møkleby, Eva Margareta; Thoresen, Lisbeth; Mengshoel, Anne Marit; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim & Aasbø, Gunvor (2023). ‘It’s not just about me’: a qualitative study of couples’ narratives about home death when one of the partners is dying of cancer. Palliative Care & Social Practice. 17. doi: 10.1177/26323524231189517. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Most cancer patients state a preference for home death. Care and support from primary caregivers are important to enable dying at home. A preference for home death from the perspective of couples has rarely been investigated.<p> <p>Objectives: To explore how a preference for home death is understood and enacted in couples where one of the partners is dying of cancer.<p> <p>Design: A qualitative interview research design with a narrative approach was used.<p> <p>Methods: Five couples participated in dyad interviews. During the analysis, two interviews that particularly illuminated couples’ shared and individual views were chosen as the primary cases.<p> <p>Results: The interviews show, in two highly different ways, how a preference for home death is a significant relational matter. The interviews are presented as two cases: ‘Struggles in an Unknown Terrain’ and ‘Reliance at the Kitchen Table’. They show how a preference for home death can be understood and enacted as a struggle or as reliance based on the couple’s shared biography and the partner’s ability to care for the partner during the end-of-life phase. The analysis highlighted the negotiations that underpin a preference for home death. In these negotiations, the couples drew on idealised understandings of home death. These ideas were supported by cultural values related to autonomy and independence as well as participation and citizenship. Thus, in the negotiations about being cared for and caring, legitimate dependency and the maintenance of a reciprocal relationship were balanced. The presence of healthcare professionals and medical devices in the home had to be balanced with the need to maintain a sense of self and an authentic home.<p> <p>Conclusion: A relational perspective on a preference for home death made us attentive to couples’ negotiations. These negotiations give couples the opportunity to re-evaluate and reconfirm individual and mutual needs in the end-of-life phase.

• Aasbø, Gunvor; Staff, Anne Cathrine; Blix, Ellen; Pay, Aase Serine Devold; Waldum, Åsa & Rivedal, Sunniva [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). Expectations related to home-based telemonitoring of high-risk pregnancies: A qualitative study addressing healthcare providers' and users' views in Norway. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6349. s. 1–10. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14726. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction: A pregnancy can be evaluated as high-risk for the woman and/or the fetus based on medical history and on previous or ongoing pregnancy characteristics. Monitoring high-risk pregnancies is crucial for early detection of alarming features, enabling timely intervention to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health outcomes. Home-based telemonitoring (HBTM) is a marginally exploited opportunity in antenatal care. The aim of this study was to illuminate healthcare providers' and users' expectations and views about HBTM of maternal and fetal health in high-risk pregnancies before implementation. Material and methods: To address diverse perspectives regarding HBTM of high-risk pregnancies, four different groups of experienced healthcare providers or users were interviewed (n = 21). Focus group interviews were conducted separately with midwives, obstetricians, and women who had previously experienced stillbirth. Six individual interviews were conducted with hospitalized women with ongoing high-risk pregnancies, representing potential candidates for HBTM. None of the participants had any previous experience with HBTM of pregnancies. The study is embedded in a social constructivist research paradigm. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: The participants acknowledged the benefits and potentials of more active roles for both care recipients and providers in HBTM. Concerns were clearly addressed and articulated in the following themes: eligibility and ability of women, availability of midwives and obstetricians, empowerment and patient safety, and shared responsibility. All groups problematized issues crucial to maintaining a sense of safety for care recipients, and healthcare providers also addressed issues related to maintaining a sense of safety also for the care providers. Conditions for HBTM were understood in terms of optimal personalized training, individual assessment of eligibility, and empowerment of an active patient role. These conditions were linked to the importance of competent and experienced midwives and obstetricians operating the monitoring, as well as the availability and continuity of care provision. Maintenance of safety in HBTM in high-risk pregnancies was crucial, particularly so in situations involving emerging acute health issues. Conclusions: HBTM requires new, proactive roles among midwives, obstetricians, and monitored women, introducing a fine-tuned balance between personalized and standardized care to provide safe, optimal monitoring of high-risk pregnancies.

• Aasbø, Gunvor; Hansen, Bo Lars Thorvald Terning; Waller, Jo; Nygård, Mari & Solbrække, Kari Nyheim (2023). Unpacking the Lay Epidemiology of Cervical Cancer: A Focus Group Study on the Perceptions of Cervical Cancer and Its Prevention among Women Late for Screening in Norway. Healthcare. 11(10). doi: 10.3390/healthcare11101441. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Nonattendance for cervical cancer screening is often understood in terms of a lack of ‘appropriate’ or ‘correct’ knowledge about the risks and prevention of the disease. Few studies have explored how lay persons—the users themselves—interpret and contextualise scientific knowledge about cervical cancer. In this study, we address the following research question: How is the epidemiology of cervical cancer and its prevention discussed among women who are late for cervical cancer screening in Norway? We completed nine focus group interviews (FGIs) with 41 women who had postponed cervical screening. The analyses were both inductive and explorative, aiming to unpack the complexity of lay understandings of cervical cancer. Interactive associations expressed in the FGIs reflected multiple understandings of aetiology and risk factors, screening, and interpretations of responsibility for acquiring cervical cancer. The term ‘candidacy’ was employed to provide an enhanced understanding of lay reasoning about the explanations and predictions of cervical cancer, as reflected in the FGIs. Both interpretations of biomedical concepts and cultural values were used to negotiate acceptable and nuanced interpretations of candidacy for cervical cancer. Uncertainties about risk factors for acquiring cervical cancer was an important aspect of such negotiations. The study’s findings provide an in-depth understanding of the contexts in which screening may be rendered less relevant or significant for maintaining health. Lay epidemiology should not be considered inappropriate knowledge but rather as a productive component when understanding health behaviours, such as screening attendance.

• Knauss, Tara; Hansen, Bo Lars Thorvald Terning; Pedersen, Kine; Aasbø, Gunvor; Kunst, Natalia & Burger, Emily Annika (2022). The cost-effectiveness of opt-in and send-to-all HPV self-sampling among long-term non-attenders to cervical cancer screening in Norway: The Equalscreen randomized controlled trial. Gynecologic Oncology. ISSN 0090-8258. 168, s. 39–47. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.10.027. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Rivedal, Sunniva; Bondevik, Hilde; Thoresen, Lisbeth & Aasbø, Gunvor (2022). Den sensitiverte kroppen: en fenomenologisk studie av småbarnsmødres omsorgserfaringer og helse. Tidsskrift for kjønnsforskning. ISSN 0809-6341. s. 20–33. doi: 10.18261/tfk.46.1.3. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Kvinner som gjennomlever graviditet og spebarnstid har særskilte kroppslige erfaringer. Tidligere forskning på hvordan småbarnsmødre balanserer arbeid ute og hjemme, har på ulike måter belyst dette som en psykososiokulturell konflikt med helsemessige implikasjoner. Målsettingen for denne studien er å benytte kroppsfenomenologiske perspektiver til å utvikle kunnskap om hvordan yrkesaktive småbarnsmødre erfarer sine kropper i den daglige omsorgen for sine barn, og på hvilke måter disse erfaringene kan bidra til større forståelse for småbarnsmødres helse og sårbarhet. Studien er basert på ni kvalitative dybdeintervjuer med utvalgte mødre som arbeidet tilnærmet fulltid og hadde to barnehagebarn hver. Vi studerte det empiriske materialet ved hjelp av en tematisk analyse. I artikkelen utforskes kroppen som omsorgsgrunnlag og kroppslig krysspress gjennom måter «å gjøre» og «å kjenne» kroppslige omsorgserfaringer på. Småbarnsmødrenes kroppslige erfaringer fortolkes som sensitivert kroppslighet overfor barna, og den slitne kroppen fremstår som spesielt sårbar. Den kontinuerlig tilstedeværende og beredte kroppen, sammen med bestrebelser for å likestille foreldrekroppen, betraktes som avgjørende for denne sårbarheten. Gjennom fortolkning og begrepsutvikling i denne studien synliggjøres og økes bevisstheten om forholdet mellom kroppslige omsorgserfaringer, kjønn og helse.

• Aasbø, Gunvor; Trope, Ameli; Nygård, Mari; Christiansen, Irene Kraus; Baasland, Ingrid & Iversen, Grete Alræk [Vis alle 13 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2022). HPV self-sampling among long-term non-attenders to cervical cancer screening in Norway: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Cancer. ISSN 0007-0920. 127(10), s. 1816–1826. doi: 10.1038/s41416-022-01954-9. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Cervical cancer screening participation is suboptimal in most settings. We assessed whether human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling may increase screening participation among long-term non-attenders in Norway. Methods A pragmatic randomised controlled trial with participation as the primary outcome was initiated in the national cervical screening programme in March 2019. A random sample of 6000 women aged 35–69 years who had not attended screening for at least 10 years were randomised 1:1:1 to receive either (i) a reminder to attend regular screening (control), (ii) an offer to order a self-sampling kit (opt-in) for HPV testing or (iii) a self-sampling kit unsolicited (send-to-all) for HPV testing. Results Total participation was 4.8%, 17.0% and 27.7% among control, opt-in and send-to-all (P < 0.0001; participation difference (%) send-to-all vs. control: 22.9 (95%CI: 20.7, 25.2); opt-in vs. control: 12.3 (95%CI: 10.3, 14.2); send-to-all vs. opt-in: 10.7 (95% CI: 8.0, 13.3)). High-risk HPV was detected in 11.5% of self-samples and 9.2% of clinician-collected samples (P = 0.40). Most women (92.5%) who returned a positive self-sample attended the clinic for triage testing. Of the 933 women screened, 33 (3.5%) had CIN2 + (1.1%, 3.7%, 3.8% among control, opt-in, and send-to-all, respectively), and 11 (1.2%) had cervical cancer (0%, 1.2%, 1.3% among control, opt-in, send-to-all, respectively). Conclusion Opt-in and send-to-all self-sampling increased screening participation among long-term, higher-risk non-attenders.

• Aasbø, Gunvor; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim; Waller, Jo; Trope, Ameli; Nygård, Mari & Hansen, Bo Terning (2019). Perspectives of non-attenders for cervical cancer screening in Norway: a qualitative focus group study. BMJ Open. 9(8). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029505. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aasbø, Gunvor; Kristvik, Ellen Elisabeth; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim & Werner, Anne (2018). Searching for ‘transformative moments’: a qualitative study of nurses’ work during home visits to COPD patients and their caregivers in Norway. Nursing Open. doi: 10.1002/nop2.209. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Aim The integration of families into healthcare services is being emphasized increasingly in healthcare polices. The aim of this study was to investigate how professionals during home visits support both patients and caregivers in accepting and accommodating to illness. Design An explorative qualitative design. Methods Participant observations from home visits (N = 20) of pulmonary ambulatory nurses to COPD patients in Norway, followed by interviews with these nurses. Results Our findings demonstrate the delicate nature of nurses’ work during home visits to COPD patients and their caregivers. They support both patients and caregivers in reconciling themselves with the negative consequences of illness, as well as giving legitimation to and potential room for, sustainable arrangements within the scope of the relationship. The nurses address significant issues, having transformative potential concerning attitudes and practices related to the management of illness and adjusting to a complex illness trajectory.

• Aasbø, Gunvor; Rugkåsa, Jorun; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim & Werner, Anne (2017). Negotiating the care-giving role: family members`experience during critical exacerbation of COPD in Norway. Health and Social Care in the Community. ISSN 0966-0410. 25(2), s. 612–620. doi: 10.1111/hsc.12350. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aasbø, Gunvor; Solbrække, Kari Nyheim; Kristvik, Ellen Elisabeth & Werner, Anne (2016). Between disruption and continuity: challenges in maintaining the ‘biographical we’ when caring for a partner with a severe, chronic illness. Sociology of Health and Illness. ISSN 0141-9889. 38(5), s. 782–796. doi: 10.1111/1467-9566.12396. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

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• Dahl-Michelsen, Tone; Sekse, Ragnhild Johanne Tveit; Aasbø, Gunvor & Solbrække, Kari Nyheim (2025). Kjønn, helse og marginalisering. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202869090. 229 s. doi: 10.23865/cdf.249. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

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• Waldum, Åsa; Pay, Aase Serine Devold; Aasbø, Gunvor; Mishra, Vinod Kumar; Sugulle, Meryam & Staff, Anne Cathrine (2025). The HOME (home monitoring of high-risk pregnancies) study: a study protocol for an observational study of a telemedicine-assisted follow-up at home vs. hospitalization. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2025.1599153. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aurén-Møkleby, Eva Margareta; Aasbø, Gunvor & Thoresen, Lisbeth (2024). Døden på kjøkkenet: om sosial usikkerhet og forskningsetisk skjønn i intervjuer med døende pasienter. I Houge, Anette Bringedal & Kruse, Anja Emilie (Red.), Etisk ubehag. En ærlig lærebok om kvalitativ forskning på sensitive temaer. Universitetsforlaget. ISSN 9788215068558. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Dahl-Michelsen, Tone; Sekse, Ragnhild Johanne Tveit; Aasbø, Gunvor & Solbrække, Kari Nyheim (2023). Hvor skarpt bør vi skille mellom kvinnehelse og mannshelse? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aasbø, Gunvor & Solbrække, Kari Nyheim (2019). Rationalities of postponing screening: women’s interpretations of cancer risks and prevention. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Aasbø, Gunvor; Kristvik, Ellen Elisabeth & Werner, Anne (2012). Invisible work: Experiences of family caregivers for chronically ill lung patients. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Groeneveld, linn; Engesæter, Birgit; Aasbø, Gunvor; Hansen, Mona; Christiansen, Irene Kraus & Berland, Jannicke [Vis alle 14 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2021). Prosjektforslag hjemmetest: Implementering av hjemmeprøvetaking i Livmorhalsprogrammet. Kreftregisteret - Institutt for populasjonsbasert kreftforskning. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Effektiv forebygging av livmorhalskreft fordrer at kvinner deltar i Livmorhalsprogrammet som anbefalt. I dag er deltakelsen på 71%, mens anbefalt deltakelse er minimum 80% ifølge internasjonale retningslinjer. Over halvparten av livmorhalskrefttilfellene diagnostisert i Norge er blant kvinner som ikke har tatt livmorhalsprøver som anbefalt. I tillegg får de som aldri eller sjelden screener seg, oftere påvist livmorhalskreft på et høyere stadium enn de som screener seg som anbefalt. En ny norsk studie viser at tilbud om hjemmetest til denne gruppen avdekker et betydelig antall forstadier til kreft og kreft som ikke ville blitt avdekket ved ordinær påminnelse om å ta screeningprøve hos lege. Både internasjonale og norske studier har vist at man på en kostnadseffektiv måte kan oppnå en betydelig forbedret deltakelse i screeningprogrammet blant kvinner dersom de får tilbud om hjemme-prøvetaking (= hjemmetest). Helsedirektoratet har bedt Kreftregisteret om å utrede hjemmetest som et tiltak for å øke deltakelsen i Livmorhalsprogrammet blant kvinner som ikke har møtt til screening på mer enn ti år. Forslaget skulle også inkludere bruk av hjemmetest for kvinner som ikke har tatt livmorhalsprøve på grunn av covid-19 pandemien, og eventuelle andre grupper. Denne rapporten skisserer hvordan hjemmetest kan innføres i Livmorhalsprogrammet. Anbefalt strategi er å gi tilbud om hjemmetest til tre grupper. Den første gruppen er kvinner med betydelig økt risiko for alvorlige celleforandringer i livmorhalsen på grunn av manglende deltakelse over lengre tid. Spesifikt anbefales det at kvinner uten registrert livmorhalsprøve i løpet av ti år eller mer får hjemmetest tilsendt i posten (opt-out). Den andre gruppen er kvinner uten registrert livmorhalsprøve de siste åtte eller ni år, denne gruppen anbefales å få mulighet til å bestille hjemmetest (opt-in). Den siste gruppen er kvinner som av fysiske eller psykiske årsaker vegrer seg for å ta en livmorhalsprøve hos legen. Det planlegges at disse kvinnene får tilbud om hjemmetest via lege. Hjemmetesting er enda mer aktuelt nå på grunn av covid-19 pandemien. Normalt registrerer Livmorhalsprogrammet cirka 450 000 prøver per år. Grove estimater viser at det ble registrert 50 000 færre livmorhalsprøver enn forventet i 2020. En ny smittebølge av covid-19 i november 2020, som førte til en ny sosial nedstenging av samfunnet i Oslo-regionen i januar 2021, ser også ut til å ha påvirket antall registrerte prøver i januar 2021. Hjemmetest i seg selv er et mer kostnadseffektivt alternativ enn legetatt prøve, ettersom helsepersonell ikke involveres i selve prøvetakingen. De helseøkonomiske modellene inkludert i rapporten viser at tilbud om hjemmetest gir en helsegevinst ved at andelen kvinner som deltar i screeningprogrammet vil øke, og dermed reduseres deres livstidsrisiko for å utvikle livmorhalskreft. Økt deltakelse vil imidlertid medføre en økt kostnad for screeningvirksomheten, men for samfunnet som en helhet vil det være lønnsomt. Dette tilbudet vil resultere i samfunnsmessige besparelser fordi færre kvinner vil måtte behandles for livmorhalskreft. Kvinner som rammes av livmorhalskreft får økte kvalitetsjusterte leveår (på engelsk: quality-adjusted life years -QALYs). I vår forenklede modell-baserte analyse ble det estimert at opt-out hjemmetesting, sammenlignet med påminnelsesbrev, kunne gi mer enn 1 365 ekstra (diskontert) QALYs blant de 217 000 kvinnene som kvalifiserer til hjemmetest i løpet av fem år. Dette er langt flere QALYs enn de 155 som behøves for å være kostnadseffektiv, gitt at myndighetenes betalingsvillighet for et ekstra leveår er 385 000 kroner. Samlet viser også beregningsmodellene som er gjennomført, at kostnaden per tilfelle av alvorlige celleforandringer som oppdages, er lavere ved hjemmetest sammenlignet med vanlig påminnelse og prøvetaking hos lege.

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