We had another highly successful Health Screening module at Warwick University this year. It was our 9th year hosting the course, which took place in the last week of November 2019.
Twenty-four students attended the class, with many attending from screening programmes across the country. They braved flooding, heavy rain and terrible traffic to enjoy a good week of hard work.
During the week, the students learned about:
- why screen?
- what is screening?
- the performance and cost effectiveness of tests, and how to quality assure a programme
- ethics
We also looked at new topics this year, which included: screening people with colorectal cancer for Lynch syndrome, and the Health Checks programme.
Successful week, successful outcomes
We had some outstanding students who contributed to the class discussion, making it one of our best yet. The group learned more about informed choice, during which they realised the importance of the tension between informed choice and uptake.
The Director of Screening for Public Health England (PHE), Anne Mackie, was there to listen to a wonderful series of presentations on our work from throughout the week.
The feedback from the week was also very positive. Some comments about the course included:
Very thought provoking.
The course has enabled me to see things completely differently.
[It will] inform my future care of women and families.
Highly intellectually stimulating — enjoyed every minute.
Expanded my understating.
Very topical/relevant.
When participants were asked what was the best thing about the course, some responses included:
Learning from others and hearing about their experiences in screening.
The expertise of the tutors/presenters.
Supportive staff and other students.
It was good for networking and fun.
Well organised and professionally delivered.
Overall, it was another successful course with plenty of learning and another very good year.
Find out more
The PHE screening team offers some funded places each year via a competitive application process.
PHE Screening blog
The PHE Screening blog provides up to date news from all NHS screening programmes. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there’s no need to keep checking for new blogs. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about population screening in England, please contact the PHE screening helpdesk.