Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice

Screening, case finding and prevention principles

Screening tests of unproven benefit

      1. Screening tests of unproven benefit

Screening tests of unproven benefit 

The Red Book provides information to assist GPs in caring for their patients, including in areas where the evidence is uncertain or contentious. Screening activities are only recommended where evidence demonstrates that benefits outweigh harms. Some tests are not recommended as screening tests in low-risk or asymptomatic general practice populations, but may have value as diagnostic tests or as tests or monitor disease progression. These are clearly highlighted. The RACGP resource First do no harm: A guide to choosing wisely in general practice provides information for GPs and patients on screening tests and treatments that do not have benefit and may even cause harm.

Further reading

For further information on screening tests of unproven benefit and how GPs can overcome overdiagnosis:
First do no harm: A guide to choosing wisely in general practice
Responding to patient request for tests not considered clinically appropriate
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Related documents

  Lifecycle-chart.pdf (PDF 0.12 MB)

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