Understanding first cervical screening experiences using narrative analysis of online blogs: a medical student perspective.

One in three women invited to their first cervical smear test in the United Kingdom do not attend. As a third-year medical student, I undertook a scholarly project module where I conducted narrative analysis of three blogs to understand the experiences of some women attending their first cervical smear. Three plots were drawn out of these narratives: the cervical smear as a rite-of-passage, the discrepancy between expectations and reality, and a collaborative approach to cervical screening. These insights could be used by general practitioners seeking to improve screening uptake. No negative stories could be found in the initial search, demonstrating poor 'tellability' of these narratives. Blog material was found to be accessible for research and narrative analysis could enable the development of patient-centredness and empathy in medical students.