Overview and Principles of Screening course for General Practitioners

This session provides an overview of the principles and practice of screening, clarifying relevant terms and detailing the concept of informed choice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Define and distinguish between the key terms of screening, testing and diagnosis
• Define the components of a screening programme
• Explain the measures used to assess the effectiveness of a screening test
• Explain the importance of patient or parent information in facilitating informed screening choices

Screening is now part of mainstream NHS and public health services. Over the past decade six antenatal and newborn, and two adult screening programmes have been implemented. There are also the established cancer screening programmes, offered to adults.

Healthcare professionals need to know what is offered, when it should be offered and the possible outcomes, in order to offer patients evidence-based care and informed choices.