This document describes extending the role of screening technicians in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening program to include basic physical health checks. It provides details on the current and proposed screening models, including the additional training and guidance technicians receive to take blood pressure and seek nurse advice. An example is given of how a high blood pressure reading was identified during screening and subsequently treated, benefiting both the patient and their GP. Feedback from patients and GPs is positive about the expanded technician role in detecting other health issues alongside AAA screening.

1. Extending the
Screener Role
(to include basic physical health
checks)
AAA Screening Technicians Day 18th September 2019
Tracy Gilchrist, Paula Ball & Marie-Therese McAlinden

2. Why we did it
2011- Popn. 2.6 million
131 miles North to South
59 miles East to West
Eligible men 19,281
2017- Popn. 3.1million
131 miles North to South
120 miles East to West
Eligible men 18,626
Surveillance men 830

3. NE AAASP model (2011)
Aneurysm
identified
• technician performs basic observations
• Completes proforma
• arranges follow up telephone call appointment from nurse
Nurse
assessment
• nurse reviews proforma
• telephone assessment completed
• Lifestyle & next steps information sent to GP & gentleman
Surveillance
appointment
• technician & nurse attend clinic
• basic observations, medication & lifestyle review completed
• Lifestyle & next steps information discussed & sent to GP & gentleman

4. NENC AAASP model (2019)
Aneurysm
identified
• technician takes basic observations
• Seeks nurse practitioner advice via telephone if required
• Advice slip, MECC intervention & BHF leaflets given
• Completes proforma
• Arranges follow up telephone call appointment from nurse
Nurse
assessment
• nurse reviews proforma
• telephone assessment completed
• Lifestyle & next steps information sent to GP & gentleman
Surveillance
appointment
• technician & nurse attend clinic
• basic observations, medication & lifestyle review completed
• Lifestyle & next steps information discussed & sent to GP & gentleman

5. • Guidance
NICE clinical guidance, PHE physical health checks in prison
guidance, local policies & work instructions
• Background
Accurate BP, what impacts BP, strategies for correct
measurement
• Equipment & Technique
BP machine, maintenance & calibration, applying the cuff/
checking bladder coverage, how to take BP
• Diagnosis & Treatment
Information about expected targets/ thresholds, next steps, self
care
Training

6. • Annual updates from nurse practitioners
• NEWS training
• MECC training
• Guest speakers- health & wellbeing champions
Additional Training

7. How does it impact on the
working day?
Paula and Marie-Therese
Discussion & demonstration

8. Patient Information

9. 3.7cm AAA. BP 177/117mmHg and 154/111mmHg
• GP
– patient underwent further home monitoring and several other tests
performed
– patient now on appropriate treatment
– pleased this had been picked up by the screening programme
team
• Screening subject
– unaware that his BP was high, no recent check & no plans to have
his BP checked
– pleased that not only was his AAA picked up but he now could
have treatment for his blood pressure
– made a specific point to complement the technicians
What do our men & GPs
think?

10. Thank you
for
listening…
…
Any
questions?