Seniors In Motion: HealthEASE Coordinated Screening Program

Many local providers offer health screening activities for older adults. Examples include blood pressure screening at first aid squads, diabetes checks at local health departments and osteoporosis screening at local pharmacies. Unfortunately, these services are often underutilized due to the fragmented way in which they are offered. Older adults who have time, transportation or mobility limitations have difficulty traveling to multiple sites to access the services.

The HealthEASE Coordinated Screening Program was developed to increase utilization of preventive health/health promotion services, particularly among underserved populations. The coordinated screening program brings together a wide range of health care services at one time and one location. Participants who attend the event can participate in all or a selected number of screenings. Individuals who receive abnormal or questionable results are encouraged to follow up with their health care provider or are provided with referral information for treatment or further evaluation.

The NJDHSS developed the Coordinated Screening Program through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New Jersey Health Initiatives. The Coordinated Screening Program was introduced in two counties: Bergen and Ocean. The pilot counties sponsored 18 Coordinated Screening events over a two-year period. “Passports” are provided for each participant to track the results of their screenings. These passports can be taken to personal health care providers for discussion. In addition, the health care providers maintain a record of the screening outcomes. Tracking and program evaluation forms are available from the NJDHSS

Strengths

• By pooling resources, the expertise and tools of the various partners can be coordinated to expand service delivery. Both public and private health care providers can participate.
• The coordinated screening program can be held at locations that are easily accessed by underserved populations.
• Personal and environmental barriers to participation are minimized.
• Individuals with abnormal findings are encouraged to follow up with their health care provider or are given referral information. The coordinated screening programs held to date found about one-third of the screenings conducted resulted in abnormal findings.

Lessons Learned

• There is tremendous interest among both public and private health care providers in participating in this program. Previous participants have included hospitals, health departments, rescue squads, private practitioners, visiting nurse agencies, pharmacists, sports clubs, and medical societies. Nearly all of the providers agreed to participate in additional coordinated screening events following their first event.
• Volunteers are needed to make the event run smoothly. Each participating provider should be assigned a volunteer to assist with paperwork. Additional volunteers are needed to register participants and answer questions.
• Be creative in planning the event. Demonstrations (physical activity classes, massage, and other health-related activities), music and colorful decorations create a festive environment. Related exhibits/displays also add to the event.

Contact Information
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Aging and Community Services
609-943-3498