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Evaluation of an otitis media with effusion screening pilot programme
P Crampton1, K Nelson, D Bandaranayake
1Health Services Research Centre, Wellington.
Insights
This pilot program successfully screened children for otitis media with effusion (OME) in a low-income community. Further research is needed to determine the long-term benefits of OME screening.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood condition.
- Screening programs aim to identify OME early for timely intervention.
- Evaluating screening in diverse socioeconomic groups is crucial for equitable healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and operational aspects of a pilot otitis media with effusion (OME) screening program.
- To evaluate the program's effectiveness in a low socioeconomic status (SES) population.
- To analyze the costs associated with the OME screening process.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed, including literature review and key informant interviews.
- Standard screening criteria were used for program evaluation.
- Operational analysis encompassed inputs, outputs, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- 91.2% of the target low-SES population was screened, involving 731 children.
- Bilateral OME was detected in 49.7% of children, with 25.3% referred to otorhinolaryngology (ORL).
- Costs per child screened, per bilateral OME case, and per referral were $46.10, $92.85, and $117.03, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The pilot demonstrated successful OME screening in a low-SES population.
- High spontaneous resolution rates of OME necessitate careful protocol design.
- Screening impacts secondary services and may offer additional benefits through increased child-parent contact.
- Long-term outcomes and resource needs for tympanometry screening require further investigation.
Aim:
To evaluate an otitis media with effusion (OME) pilot screening programme carried out in a low socioeconomic status population.
Methods:
The evaluation methodology involved a literature review, key informant interviews and evaluation of the programme according to standard screening criteria. Operational analysis was carried out in which inputs, outputs and costs were analysed.
Results:
731 children were screened. The proportion of the target population screened was 91.2%. Forty nine point seven percent (363) of children tested had bilateral OME on at least one occasion, of whom 25.3% (92) were referred to otorhinolaryngology (ORL). The average cost of screening each child was $46.10, of detecting a case of bilateral OME $92.85, and of detecting a case requiring referral $117.03.
Conclusions:
The programme demonstrated that a low socioeconomic status population can be successfully screened; that the high rate of spontaneous resolution of OME should be taken into account when designing screening protocols; that screening has significant impact on secondary services; and, screening is likely to have other benefits arising from more frequent contact with children and parents. The operational success of the pilot gives no indication, however, concerning the long term outcomes of tympanometry screening. The authors conclude that further research is required to establish the long term benefits of OME screening, and resource requirements.