Evaluation Of An Otitis Media With Effusion Screening Pilot Programme

Aim. To evaluate an otitis media with effusion (OME) pilot screening programme carried out in a low socioeconomic status population.Methods. The evaluation methodology involved a literature review, key informant interviews and evaluation of the programme according to standard screening criteria. Operational analysis was carried out in which inputs, outputs and costs were analysed.Results. 731 children were screened. The proportion of the target population screened was 91.2%. Forty nine point seven percent (363) of children tested had bilateral OME on at; least one occasion, of whom 25.3% (92) were referred to otorhinolaryngology (ORL). The average cost of screening each child was $46.10, of detecting a case of bilateral OME $92.85, and of detecting a case requiring referral $117.03.Conclusions. The programme demonstrated that a low socioeconomic status population can be successfully screened; that the high rate of spontaneous resolution of OME should be taken into account when designing screening protocols; that screening has significant impact on secondary services; and, screening is likely to have other benefits arising from more frequent contact with children and parents. The operational success of the pilot gives no indication, however, concerning the long term outcomes of tympanometry screening, The authors conclude that further research is required to establish the long term benefits of OME screening, and resource requirements.