Evaluation of a mobile screening service for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Broken Hill, a remote regional centre in far western NSW.
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.
Lesjak
Margaret S
MS
Greater Western Area Health Service, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. mlesjak@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au <mlesjak@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au>
Flecknoe-Brown
Stephen C
SC
Sidford
Jan R
JR
Payne
Kerryn
K
Fletcher
John P
JP
Lyle
David M
DM
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