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Internet‐based approach to population screening for common hemoglobinopathies in United Arab Emirates
Author(s) -
Matar Maryam,
Naveed Mohammed,
Salim Sajala,
Hareb Nevin,
Alba Emayla,
Hino Minako,
Nitta Takenori,
Adhiyanto Chris,
Yamashiro Yasuhiro,
Hattori Yukio
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2011.00599.x
Subject(s) - the internet , confidentiality , test (biology) , population , medicine , internet access , internet privacy , family medicine , medical education , computer science , world wide web , computer security , environmental health , paleontology , biology
This article reports on efforts to overcome common hurdles that were faced during population‐based screening for common hemoglobinopathies in the United Arab Emirates. An Internet‐based approach was designed and implemented to increase the acceptance of the screening program. The process involved: an awareness campaign, a simple bilingual (Arabic/English) online consent form and registration process, the use of a barcode for sample labeling, an equipment upgrade, electronic communication of a successful registration process, test results, and a counseling process. Before the implementation of the Internet‐based system, great concern was noted among the clients in terms of the availability of accurate and timely test results, the need for pretest and post‐test counseling, and the way that their personal health information was handled. Lapses in information exchange between the clients who participated in the screening program for the carrier state of inherited disorders and the screening laboratory posed significant challenges. The emphasis on confidentiality and the ease of access to services was instrumental in increasing the level of acceptance of these services in our community. Based on an analysis of > 10,000 samples, we conclude that Internet–based reporting holds much promise for improving the quality of care that clients receive.