An updated protocol for pediatric health screening

Abstract

Pediatric health screening comprises a significant component of a family physician's practice. A variety of protocols exist for pediatric screening yet many of the diseases included in such screening have marginal supportive evidence in the literature. This article examines 14 areas commonly included in pediatric health screening. Each is evaluated based on a thorough literature review, according to basic criteria necessary to justify periodic screening. Specific recommendations are made which are considered to be practical and appropriate in practice. These have been incorporated into the protocols currently used at the University of Washington Family Medical Center.