ABSTRACT
This chapter determines screening practice in Europe one has looked at screening in six countries, namely Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and France. These illustrate a variety of different approaches to health service provision and financing. In each case a key informant was identified and was extremely helpful in providing details. Although all of the countries questioned have accepted the need for stringent principles for screening for disease, only Sweden outside the UK has a single national body for reviewing tests and practice. Population-based screening is limited to Spain, Sweden and Denmark. In those countries that have social insurance system, screening is based on demand, although it is reimbursed in all. Formalisation of quality control, further investigation and treatment is present in Spain, Sweden and Denmark to a greater or lesser extent. Despite all of the criticisms of the National Health Service, the structure and performance of screening services in the UK could serve as a model for other countries.
