Hanna Tolonen1, Johanna Mäki-Opas2, Jennifer S Mindell3, Antonia Trichopoulou4, Androniki Naska4,5, Satu Männistö1, Simona Giampaoli6, Kari Kuulasmaa1, Päivikki Koponen1. 1. Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland. 2. Department of Welfare, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland. 3. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, London, UK. 4. Hellenic Health Foundation, Athens, Greece. 5. Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. 6. National Centre for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore di Sanitá, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
Background: Health examination surveys (HESs) provide valuable data on health and its determinants at the population level. Comparison of HES results within and between countries and over time requires measurements which are free of bias due to differences in or adherence to measurement procedures and/or measurement devices. Methods: In the European HES (EHES) Pilot Project, 12 countries conducted a pilot HES in 2010-11 using standardized measurement protocols and centralized training. External evaluation visits (site visits) were performed by the EHES Reference Centre staff to evaluate the success of standardization and quality of data collection. Results: In general, standardized EHES protocols were followed adequately in all the pilot surveys. Small deviations were observed in the posture of participants during the blood pressure and height measurement; in the use of a tourniquet when drawing blood samples; and in the calibration of measurement devices. Occasionally, problems with disturbing noise from outside or people coming into the room during the measurements were observed. In countries with an ongoing national HES or a long tradition of conducting national HESs at regular intervals, it was more difficult to modify national protocols to fulfil EHES requirements. Conclusions: The EHES protocols to standardize HES measurements and procedures for collection of blood samples are feasible in cross-country settings. The prerequisite for successful standardization is adequate training. External and internal evaluation activities during the survey fieldwork are also needed to monitor compliance to standards.
Background: Health examination surveys (HESs) provide valuable data on health and its determinants at the population level. Comparison of HES results within and between countries and over time requires measurements which are free of bias due to differences in or adherence to measurement procedures and/or measurement devices. Methods: In the European HES (EHES) Pilot Project, 12 countries conducted a pilot HES in 2010-11 using standardized measurement protocols and centralized training. External evaluation visits (site visits) were performed by the EHES Reference Centre staff to evaluate the success of standardization and quality of data collection. Results: In general, standardized EHES protocols were followed adequately in all the pilot surveys. Small deviations were observed in the posture of participants during the blood pressure and height measurement; in the use of a tourniquet when drawing blood samples; and in the calibration of measurement devices. Occasionally, problems with disturbing noise from outside or people coming into the room during the measurements were observed. In countries with an ongoing national HES or a long tradition of conducting national HESs at regular intervals, it was more difficult to modify national protocols to fulfil EHES requirements. Conclusions: The EHES protocols to standardize HES measurements and procedures for collection of blood samples are feasible in cross-country settings. The prerequisite for successful standardization is adequate training. External and internal evaluation activities during the survey fieldwork are also needed to monitor compliance to standards.
Authors: Hanna Tolonen; Päivikki Koponen; Ala'a Al-Kerwi; Nada Capkova; Simona Giampaoli; Jennifer Mindell; Laura Paalanen; Maria Ruiz-Castell; Antonia Trichopoulou; Kari Kuulasmaa Journal: Arch Public Health Date: 2018-06-28
Authors: Diem Nguyen; Pauline Hautekiet; Finaba Berete; Elise Braekman; Rana Charafeddine; Stefaan Demarest; Sabine Drieskens; Lydia Gisle; Lize Hermans; Jean Tafforeau; Johan Van der Heyden Journal: Arch Public Health Date: 2020-06-03