Using evidence-based techniques to modify anemia screening practice.
Routine screening of adolescents for iron-deficiency anemia is a widespread but unproven practice. Using evidence-based quality improvement techniques, including literature synthesis and presentation of clinic-specific data, my colleagues and I reevaluated a clinic policy of obtaining complete blood counts to screen for anemia in all new adolescent patients. Medical record review revealed clinically unsuspected anemia in 8 (3.5) of 229 patients screened. All cases were mild, and only two patients received iron therapy. These data, coupled with national recommendations, led to a reversal of the clinic's policy requiring screening of all new patients. One year later, complete blood counts were obtained for only 6% of new patients.
Britto
M T
MT
Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States