Screening Horizon Scanning Volume 4 Issue 1

Brain amyloid imaging

Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2011, 52 (11), p 1733-40

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type:  Clinical innovations

In a nutshell: Identifies brain amyloid imaging as likely to be more widely adopted in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Describes the pathology of Alzheimer’s, explains the use of the technique, emphasising the need for users to be trained to the highest standards to give the consistency and accuracy necessary for the full acceptance of this approach.

Length of publication: 8 page pdf

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens.  For more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Acknowledgement: Medline

Next steps in the sequence: the implications of whole genome sequencing for health in the UK

Source: PHG Foundation report

Follow this link for explanatory page offering links to the full report, a summary version and a press release.

Date of publication: October 2011

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Faster, cheaper whole genome sequencing offers the NHS great opportunities for personalisation in the diagnosis, management and treatment of inherited diseases and cancer. To realise those opportunities the NHS needs to develop a new biomedical informatics expertise;  build databases that will drive better understanding of which genomic variants affect health; use targeted forms of genome analysis that minimise unexpected (incidental) findings;  and promote better understanding and application of genomic data interpretation among health professionals.

Length of publication: 192 pages

Acknowledgement: HMIC

Screening for diabetes in unconventional locations : resource implications and economics of screening in optometry practices

Source: Health Policy, 2011, 102 (2-3), p193-99

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: October 2011

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: Examines whether a service using rCBG tests with the “at risk” population attending high street optometry practices can increase participation and be cost-effective. The cost of a screening test was £5.53–£11.20, depending oncircumstances. Targeting those ≥40 years with BMI of ≥25 kg/m² and/or family history of diabetes gave a cost per case referred to the GP of £14.38–£26.36. Implementing this strategy in half of optometric practices in England would have the potential to identify up to 150,000 new cases of diabetes and prediabetes a year.

Length of publication: 7 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Acknowledgement: HMIC

Dedicated outreach service for hard to reach patients with tuberculosis in London

Source: BMJ 2011;343:d5376

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Date of publication: Spetember 2011

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: Observational study offering an economic evaluation of a Find and Treat service that both screens and manages tuberculosis cases. The service costs £1.4million per year and gains 220 QALYs. This gives an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of £6400-£10000/QALY gained.  Concludes that the two elements of the service are each cost-effective in their own right, as well as in combination.

Length of publication: 11 page pdf

Some important notes: This is an open access article, no Athens password is required.

Acknowledgement: HMIC

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Screening Horizon Scanning Volume 3 Issue 9

Possible net harms of breast cancer screening: updated modelling of Forrest report

Source: British Medical Journal,  BMJ 2011;343:d7627-

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Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: A 2009 Cochrane Review suggested that breast cancer screening may do more harm than good, due to false positives and over diagnosis. This article develops the original research from the Forrest Report (1986) on which breast screening recommendations were based. Like Forrest it uses quality adjusted life years (QALYs) to measure benefits. This new analysis supports the findings of the Cochrane Review that breast cancer screening might have caused net harm for up to 10 years after the start of screening.

Length of publication: 8 page pdf

Some important notes: This is an online, open access article – no password required.

Further dissemination

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Screening Horizon Scanning Volume 3 Issue 8