Preventive health screening is a critical component of family medicine, aimed at early detection and intervention to reduce the burden of chronic diseases. However, adherence to screening guidelines varies widely, influencing their effectiveness. This systematic analysis assessed the effectiveness and adherence rates to preventive health screening guidelines in family practice.
The study searched electronic databases for studies on preventive health screening in family medicine, focusing on adherence to guidelines and their effectiveness. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, adherence rates, and screening outcomes. The quality of the studies was evaluated using standardized criteria, and a narrative synthesis was performed to integrate findings. The findings showed that adherence rates vary significantly (1.1% to 80%), depending on patient demographics, provider characteristics, and healthcare system structures. Improved health outcomes in communities with high adherence helped to support the guidelines’ effectiveness. However, there was significant variation among demographic groupings, with lesser adherence reported in minority communities and those with lower socioeconomic status. Patient-related fac tors (e.g., health literacy) and provider-related ones (e.g., knowledge and time restrictions) both hampered adherence. Despite the usefulness of preventive screening guidelines in improving health outcomes, the study emphasized that adherence remains low in a variety of populations. Future research should focus on designing personalized interventions to address the identified barriers, as well as investigating novel techniques to improve adherence to preventive health screening guidelines in family medicine.
Key words: Preventive health screening, adherence, family medicine, systematic review, guideline effectiveness
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