From small steps to big impact: what we learnt from the National Bowel Screening Programme

Implementation of the National Bowel Screening Programme for Aotearoa New Zealand has been a 26-year journey with many challenges and obstacles. This paper describes lessons learnt. Despite international evidence of efficacy from studies before the year 2000, country-specific decisions shaped by committed multidisciplinary teams were required. Before introducing bowel screening, many initiatives to improve related healthcare delivery were implemented, which often led to systemic improvements. A pilot study was needed to demonstrate that bowel screening was safe, affordable, and could be delivered equitably. Despite comprehensive plans based on the Pilot with ongoing adjustments, to date, the programme has fallen short of achieving equity for participation for Māori and Pacific peoples. The delays involved in developing the required population IT system were challenging resulting in a period where two different IT systems were being used simultaneously. This should be avoided. General Practice was involved from the outset, with an increasing role as the programme developed. Critics of progress were sometimes vocal, but input from global leaders in bowel screening helped keep the programme on track to national implementation. The programme has delivered in terms of safety and early diagnosis of cancer. Its lessons provide a foundation for future public health initiatives.