A randomised controlled trial of the effect of a practice-based genetic screening facilitator.

• Register: ISRCTN
• Last refreshed on: 13 January 2015
• Main ID: ISRCTN16886710
• Date of registration: 23/01/2004
• Prospective Registration: No
• Primary sponsor: Record Provided by the NHS R&D 'Time-Limited' National Programme Register - Department of Health (UK)
• Public title: A randomised controlled trial of the effect of a practice-based genetic screening facilitator.
• Date of first enrolment: 01/04/1995
• Target sample size: 0
• Recruitment status: Completed
• URL: http://isrctn.com/ISRCTN16886710
• Study type: Interventional
• Study design: Randomised controlled trial (Screening)

Countries of recruitment

United Kingdom

Contacts

• Name: Michael Modell

Key inclusion & exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: It took place in an area of North London where 29% of residents and 43% of births are in the ethnic groups at risk for haemoglobin disorders (mainly Camden, Islington, Haringey and Enfield). Twenty six of the 93 practices using the services of the Whittington haematology laboratory agreed to take part, and were divided into 13 control and 13 intervention practices.
Exclusion criteria: Does not meet inclusion criteria

Age minimum:
Age maximum:
Gender: Both

Health Condition(s) or Problem(s) studied

Genetic screening for haemoglobin disorders
Circulatory System
Other hereditary haemolytic anaemias

Intervention(s)

The 13 intervention practices were given: posters, and leaflets to explain to the members of the relevant ethnic groups why carrier testing is advisable and how it can be obtained, an aide-memoire card for GPs¿ consulting rooms listing groups to whom screening should be offered, and a practice reference manual containing background information. Intervention practices were offered three formal practice-based 30-60 minute training sessions from the nurse facilitator during the intervention year. Screening requests from study, control and non-participating practices were recorded using computerised hospital haematology laboratory records.

Primary Outcome(s)

The main outcome measure was the change in the number of requests for screening tests for haemoglobin disorders made by control and intervention practices in the baseline and intervention years. We also recorded the numbers of requests from the non-participating practices. For the 2 year follow-up trial the main outcome measure was the number of requests for screening tests from each intervention practice in 1997 and 1998.

Secondary Outcome(s)

Not provided at time of registration

Secondary ID(s)

PSI03-26

Source(s) of Monetary Support

NHS Primary and Secondary Care Interface National Research and Development Programme (UK)