Paeds Cases · preventive-and-community-paediatrics
Positive newborn screen counselling — OSCE
OSCE on explaining a positive screen, residual risk language, and confirmatory pathway without overcalling diagnosis.
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Study tools
Target exams
MRCPCH ClinicalRACP DCE
Prompt
Day-5 well neonate; parent phoned about an unexpected positive newborn screening flag; confirmatory appointment in 48 hours; parent is crying and asks if the baby is dying.
Station tasks
Open with empathy and check understanding of the phone message. Explain what a screening flag means and does not mean. Outline the confirmatory plan, timing and who owns follow-up. Address false-positive possibility and parental anxiety without false certainty. Safety-net and close with a clear next contact. [2] [3] [4] [6] [7]
References7ShowHide
- [1]Andermann A Revisiting Wilson and Jungner in the genomic age: a review of screening criteria over the past 40 years Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2008.PMID 18438522
- [2]Grimes DA Uses and abuses of screening tests Lancet (London, England), 2002.PMID 11897304
- [3]Akobeng AK Understanding diagnostic tests 1: sensitivity, specificity and predictive values Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992), 2007.PMID 17407452
- [4]Tluczek A Psychosocial consequences of false-positive newborn screens for cystic fibrosis Qualitative health research, 2011.PMID 20852016
- [5]Goldenberg AJ Evaluating Harms in the Assessment of Net Benefit: A Framework for Newborn Screening Condition Review Maternal and child health journal, 2016.PMID 26833040
- [6]Dobrow MJ Consolidated principles for screening based on a systematic review and consensus process CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 2018.PMID 29632037
- [7]Kemper AR Decision-making process for conditions nominated to the recommended uniform screening panel: statement of the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics, 2014.PMID 23907646