The Yield of Multiphasic Screening

Abstract

To determine the yield of multiphasic screening, follow-up data were gathered for consecutive abnormalities within 15 test categories. A total of 2,375 inquiries were made of 417 physicians to ascertain whether each reported abnormality was previously known or clinically obvious, whether it was confirmed, and whether it led to new diagnosis or management. The respondent rate was 90.9%. The primary block in the theoretical sequence from reported abnormality to new management lay in the physicians' failure to confirm the findings of the screening unit. Their reasons were identified. Given this lack of physician responsiveness, together with a low prevalence of disease, uncertain effectiveness of therapy, and problems of patient compliance, long-term benefits from multiphasic screening in terms of morbidity and mortality are not likely to be demonstrable. There may, however, be benefits of other kinds.