Electronic reminders are a simple EMR addition that can provide evidence -based education while improving adherence rates with preventive health screening measures
Abstract : The 2014 United States Preventive Services Task Force systematic review found abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) screening decreased related mortality by close to half .
Despite the simplicity of screening , research suggests poor adherence to the recommended AAA screening guidelines .
The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) into the effect of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening on mortality in men: a randomised controlled trial
BACKGROUND Opposing views have been published on the importance of ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms . The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study was design ed to assess whether or not such screening is beneficial . METHODS A population -based sample of men ( n=67800 ) aged 65 - 74 years was enrolled , and each individual r and omly allocated to either receive an invitation for an abdominal ultrasound scan ( invited group , n=33839 ) or not ( control group , n=33961 ) . Men in whom abdominal aortic aneurysms ( > or =3 cm in diameter ) were detected were followed-up with repeat ultrasound scans for a mean of 4.1 years . Surgery was considered on specific criteria ( diameter > or = 5.5 cm , expansion > or = 1 cm per year , symptoms ) . Mortality data were obtained from the Office of National Statistics , and an intention-to-treat analysis was based on cause of death . Quality of life was assessed with four st and ardised scales . The primary outcome measure was mortality related to abdominal aortic aneurysm . FINDINGS 27147 of 33839 ( 80 % ) men in the invited group accepted the invitation to screening , and 1333 aneurysms were detected . There were 65 aneurysm-related deaths ( absolute risk 0.19 % ) in the invited group , and 113 ( 0.33 % ) in the control group ( risk reduction 42 % , 95 % CI 22 - 58 ; p=0.0002 ) , with a 53 % reduction ( 95 % CI 30 - 64 ) in those who attended screening . 30-day mortality was 6 % ( 24 of 414 ) after elective surgery for an aneurysm , and 37 % ( 30 of 81 ) after emergency surgery . INTERPRETATION Our results provide reliable evidence of benefit from screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms
Electronic reminders are a simple EMR addition that can provide evidence -based education while improving adherence rates with preventive health screening measures
Abstract : The 2014 United States Preventive Services Task Force systematic review found abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) screening decreased related mortality by close to half .
Despite the simplicity of screening , research suggests poor adherence to the recommended AAA screening guidelines .