A simple system for auditing the quality of primary care screening in school-age children

A system for auditing quality of care and increasing effectiveness was applied to a health screening program for school-age children and the results were analyzed during 2 subsequent years. A problem-oriented record to be filled in whenever the screening was positive represented the basic tool for the evaluation. The record was sent to the specialist who was requested to make a diagnostic assessment and a treatment plan. The same record returned back to the first-level staff thus providing feedback information about diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of the screening. Periodic self-evaluation meetings and a tutorial system for diagnostic procedures were instituted leading to a general improvement in quality indexes.