Introductory description

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Criteria for Introducing Screening Programmes

• What screening is and how it differs from mainstream medicine
• Historical issues with screening programmes
• The popularity paradigm
• The Wilson and Jungner and UK National Screening Committee criteria
  Screening Test Performance
• Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value
• ROC analysis and extensions
  Economics
• Assessment of QALY’s in relation to screening programmes
• Allocative efficiency
  Ethical Issues
• Equity and access
• Public information for participation,
• The consequences of false positives and false negatives
• Antenatal issues
• Individual vs population perspective
  Quality Assurance
• QA at each stage of a screening programme
• Setting quality standards considering inherent limitations of screening
  Opportunity to meet and discuss these topics with experts from the UK National Screening Committee

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the criteria used to evaluate whether a screening programme should be introduced, and the rationale behind such criteria.
• Calculate performance metrics including sensitivity and specificity from basic data about a screening programme, and use the data to assess if screening test meets the criteria for implementation
• Demonstrate an understanding of the key ethical issues associated with screening.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the issues associated with cost effectiveness of screening programmes
• Demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance spanning structure, process, and outcome for each stage of a screening programme
• Demonstrate enhanced group working, presentation, and writing skills.
• Enhanced understanding of major national public health programmes

Indicative reading list

Raffle, A.E., and Gray, J.A.M., Screening: Evidence and Practice, 2007, New York, USA: Oxford University Press Inc.

Stewart, A., Basic Statistics and Epidemiology: A Practical Guide, Second Edition, 2007, Oxon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd

Holland, W.W., Stewart, S., Screening in Disease Prevention: What Works?, 2005, Oxon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

Subject specific skills

Sound understanding of subject
Critically evaluate
Reflection

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Thinking and problem solving
written communication
oral communication
Teamwork
Organisation & time management
Use of tools and technology
Commercial awareness
Independence and initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility