How is the Effectiveness of Screening Programs Evaluated?
The effectiveness of screening programs is evaluated through several measures:
Reduction in Disease Incidence and Mortality: Tracking changes in the rates of the disease and associated deaths. Screening Test Performance: Assessing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the test. Follow-Up Rates: Monitoring the rates of follow-up tests and treatments among those who test positive. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Comparing the costs of screening and treatment with the economic benefits of improved health outcomes.
