title: Evaluation of a mobile screening service for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Broken Hill, a remote regional centre in far western NSW.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the feasibility of a mobile screening service model for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a remote population centre in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Screening test evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A remote regional centre (population: 20 000) in far western NSW.
  
  
  METHODS
  Men aged 65-74 years, identified from the Australian Electoral roll.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mobile screening service using directed ultrasonography, a basic health check and post-screening consultation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Attendance at the screening program, occurrence of AAA in the target population and effectiveness of screening processes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 516 men without a previous diagnosis of AAA were screened, an estimated response rate of 60%. Of these, 463 (89.7%) had a normal aortic diameter, 28 (5.4%) ectatic and 25 (4.9%) a small, moderate or significant aneurysm. Two men with AAA were recommended for surgery. Feedback from participants indicated that the use of a personalised letter of invitation helped with recruitment, that the screening process was acceptable and the service valued.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is feasible to organise and operate a mobile AAA screening service from moderate sized rural and remote population centres. This model could be scaled up to provide national coverage for rural and remote residents.
authors.affiliation: Greater Western Area Health Service, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. mlesjak@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au <mlesjak@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au>
authors.forename: Margaret S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lesjak
authors.forename: Stephen C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Flecknoe-Brown
authors.forename: Jan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sidford
authors.forename: Kerryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lyle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008952:Mobile Health Units; D009517:New South Wales; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D018579:Patient Selection; D012424:Rural Population; D014463:Ultrasonography