Population Health and Screening Flashcards
Benefit of screening
useful for Early detection and can reduce the chance of developing a condition or its complications
Harm of screening
x-ray examinations expose the body to radiation, and endoscopy of the bowel can lead to bleeding or (in rare cases) serious injuries.
National screening committee criteria
There should be a simple, safe, precise and validated screening test.
Development of screening programmes (How to make them better)
Developing referral pathways
Evaluating the screenings effectiveness
reviewing and updating screenings - if new evidence emerges + better practices (this improves effectiveness and efficiency)
Engagement in screening programmes
Invitation and reminders for eligible individuals, inviting them to participate in specific screening programs.
Public awareness campaigns
Inclusion and equality - equal access to and opportunity to participate in screening regardless of background
Features of screening programmes
Pregnancy
sickle cell screening
• blood test shows if the mother-to-be carries a gene for sickle cell
• done early as possible before 10 weeks of pregnancy.
• will tell you for certain whether you’re a carrier or have these conditions. They will not tell you whether your baby has the condition.
Features of screening programmes
New-borns
newborn hearing test
offered if you gave birth in hospital before being discharged
small soft-tipped earpiece is placed in your baby’s ear and gentle clicking sounds are played.
It’s not always possible to get clear responses from the 1st test
can be offered a 2nd test
incase there was background noise, fluid/ blockage in ear
Other screening programmes
Adults
Bowel cancer offered to everyone aged 60 to 74 years.
• home test kit - FIT (faecal immunochemical test)
• sent to lab and checked for blood - sign of bowel cancer, or polyps - which can turn to cancer
= reduces the risk of dying from bowel cancer.
Examples of screening programmes
Cervical Screening
Breast Screening
Down syndrome screening
