[Preschool screening examinations in medical practice]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Child Development

Context:

• Systematic screening programs for infants and preschool children are increasingly common across Europe.
• These programs are becoming routine in many countries.
• The paper addresses the growing implementation of early childhood health assessments.

Purpose:

• To critically evaluate the content and potential effects of systematic infant and preschool screening programs.
• To describe the current landscape of screening in Switzerland.
• To present a pilot project by the Bernese Pediatric Association.

Summary:

• The paper discusses the implementation and implications of systematic screening for young children in Europe.
• It provides an overview of screening practices in Switzerland.
• A pilot project by the Bernese Pediatric Association is detailed.

Impact:

• Informs policymakers and healthcare professionals about the nuances of early childhood screening programs.
• Contributes to the ongoing discussion on optimizing child health surveillance.
• Provides a case study from Switzerland for potential broader application.