Manual for implementation or modification of child vision and hearing screening programmes

Author: EUSCREEN Study

Editor:
Jan Kik, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam

Contributors:
Andre Bussé, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam
Jill Carlton, University of Sheffield
Gwen Carr, independent consultant Manchester
Maria Fronius, Goethe University Frankfurt
Eveline Heijnsdijk, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam
Anna Horwood, University of Reading
Allison Mackey, Karolinska Institute Stockholm
Birkena Qirjazi, University of Tirana
Huibert Jan Simonsz, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam
Inger Uhlén, Karolinska Institute Stockholm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
Teresa Ching, Lidia Georgieva, André Goedegebure, Helen Griffiths, Stavros Hatzopoulos, Leif Hergils, Hans Hoeve, Wolf Lagrèze, Carla Costa Lança, Andra Lazar, Luisa Monteiro, Gary Norman, Lisa Rubin, Csilla Serfozo, Martijn Toll, Bert van Zanten

The EUSCREEN Study

The EUSCREEN study aimed to compare vision and hearing screening programmes for children in all EU states by using a cost-effectiveness model. The cost-effectiveness model predicts the most cost-effective and affordable way to screen children in each country, given the local circumstances.

Representatives of countries in Europe were asked to provide detailed data on the following domains: demography, the general background of screening systems, existing screening systems, coverage/attendance, tests used, follow-up/diagnosis, treatment, benefits and adverse effects. Paediatric ophthalmologists, paediatric otolaryngologists, audiologists and professionals who organise and perform screening in each country were invited to participate in the study and report on the state of screening in their country. An extensive, detailed questionnaire was developed for that purpose.

Screening programmes have been tested in the county of Cluj in Romania for vision, and in three counties in Albania for hearing screening. This manual for implementation or modification of child vision and hearing screening programmes was developed by detailed tracking, and from identified requisites, facilitators and barriers. 

The cost-effectiveness model and this manual for implementation will assist healthcare providers and policy makers worldwide in their decisions to introduce or modify vision and hearing screening programmes, and increase effectiveness, efficiency and equity of child healthcare.

This manual is an interactive, web-based document, but it can also be downloaded as a single pdf file (1.66 MB).

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