Joan Collins
Question:337. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the status of the reintroduction of school screenings for scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2903/16]
View answerTuesday, 26 January 2016
Questions (337)
Written answers
The introduction of any screening campaign has to be very carefully considered and the positive and negative impact of screening programme evaluated. In 2011, the UK National Screening Committee commissioned a full and systematic assessment of the international evidence base for scoliosis screening based on international evidence. The review concluded that screening for scoliosis was not recommended.
There have been no significant additions to the evidence base since this comprehensive assessment which drew on studies from many countries. The Irish epidemiology of scoliosis is not known to differ significantly from that in other countries, therefore this finding is also relevant for the Irish population.
The US Preventive task force which reviewed screening for scoliosis also came out against screening. They are in the process of updating this review, which is due to report in 2016, and any changes in that position will be noted.
In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the re-introduction of scoliosis screening in secondary schools in Ireland at this time but as with all potential screening programmes this will be subject to review as new evidence emerges.