Question

what are 3 most important criteria to be addressed before designing a screening test? justify your selection

Answer 1

The important criterias are:

1. The approach

Screening programmes use one of two approaches:

• Oppurtunistic: screening is done as part of routine care when patients visit their doctor
• Proactive: the population targeted for screening are actively identified and invited to participate in the screening programme.

2. The disease

Oppurtunities for effective early intervention created by screening programme depend on the natural history of disease.

3. The cost

The cost effectiveness of a screening programme can be difficult to assess. There are number are costs to consider- cost of test itself, cost of reading and interpreting the test, cost of diagnostic follow-up tests, etc.