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Population screening in the NHS: a systematic pathway from evidence to policy formulation
R Sherriff1, L Best, P Roderick
1National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, University of Southampton.
Journal of Public Health Medicine
|May 29, 1998
Summary
The National Health Service (NHS) in England uses a systematic framework to evaluate national screening programmes. This ensures new programmes are evidence-based, prioritizing patient benefit over harm.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- The National Health Service (NHS) established a framework in 1994 for evaluating and implementing national screening programmes.
- This framework emphasizes the crucial link between research evidence and national policy formulation.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and quality control are essential components for all new screening programmes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the systematic approach developed by the NHS for implementing national screening programmes.
- To ensure screening programmes are introduced only when robust evidence demonstrates benefits outweigh harms.
- To illustrate the process using the example of prostatic cancer screening.
Main Methods:
- Established links between the NHS Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme and the National Screening Committee (NSC).
- The Population Screening Panel prioritizes research for proposed or existing screening programmes.
- The NSC reviews research evidence to advise on the appropriateness of screening programmes.
Main Results:
- A systematic approach is now in place for the NHS to implement screening policy.
- The process involves the strategic commissioning of research evidence to inform decisions.
- The goal is to ensure that screening programmes are based on a strong foundation of scientific evidence.
Conclusions:
- The NHS employs a structured methodology for the evaluation and implementation of national screening programmes.
- This systematic approach ensures that policy decisions are informed by rigorous research.
- The process aims to maximize patient benefit and minimize potential harm from screening.
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