PEP Herts. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Survey Outcomes

Harlow Ethnic Minority Umbrella – Feedback (24 March 2026 - barriers Identified by Community Groups)

·Many older men do not own smartphones.

·Preference for family support when booking appointments, attending scans, and receiving results.

·Request for appointments in the evening so family can accompany them.

·Strong preference for scan and results to be provided locally in Harlow with accessible parking.

·Across communities (Islamic, Pentecostal, Nigerian, Chinese), getting time off work is a major issue.

·Some individuals work two jobs, restricting availability.

·English as a second language makes completing surveys difficult.

·Weekend or evening scans preferred.

·Not everyone has a car, may rely on public transport

·Need for test locations to be local and easily accessed

‍Survey outcomes and conclusions

100% of those who had experienced an AAA scan were happy with the process.

A small % were worried about the outcome .

The following were identified as the difficulties faced by an individual attending for an AAA scan.

• Arranging transport to the test

•Arranging for family members to accompany them to the test

•Preference for a local test location with good parking available

•Test appointment times in evenings or weekends to avoid needing time off work

•Possible difficulties with language comprehension.

The following were identified as desirable ways to discuss with a nurse the next steps following a positive test outcome ( in descending order of preference )

1.A personal telephone call with a nurse

2.A WhatsApp call with a nurse

3.An online meeting with a nurse

4.A guide to takeaway after the test

5.A You Tube video to explain the next steps.

Suggested Improvements

•Use GP surgeries wherever possible for AAA scans

•Consider weekend and evening appointments

•Pilot individual patients to map and verify process

•Discuss with scan operators and nurse staff ways to improve take-up

•Create and Infographic video to promote 2025-6 testing plans to be circulated to GP Surgeries and PPGs?

•A ‘what next’ guide to take away after the scan. (if not done already)

•Train scan operators/nurse  to provide immediate feedback on next steps in the event of a positive scan outcome. (as per Leicester NHS)

•Notify GPs of scan outcomes ( if not done already)