In Service Evaluation

Preparing for an in service evaluation:

At the June 2023 meeting of the UK National Screening Committee, the committee made a recommendation that a new economic model would be commissioned and that work to scope an ‘in service evaluation’ of newborn screening for SMA should be conducted at the same time. An in service evaluation will help the UK NSC develop UK specific evidence on newborn screening for SMA and understand how newborn screening for SMA might work in a UK setting, with a view to informing the committee’s final recommendation on whether to recommend that SMA is added to the UK newborn screening programme and heel prick test. The UK SMA Newborn Screening Alliance is keen to support those working to plan for an in service evaluation in order to try to expedite the process wherever possible, drawing on the expertise of our clinical, academic and patient group members.

SMA rapid response Q&A service:

The Alliance has established an SMA rapid response Q&A service to help answer any questions on the current SMA service and patient pathways. We hope this will simplify some of the complexity around SMA and speed up preparations for an in service evaluation. We will aim to respond to your questions within 48 hours.

If you are helping to prepare for the in service evaluation of newborn screening for SMA, please submit any query you may have by emailing: contact@smanewbornscreening.org.uk

Webinar for those involved in planning for the in service evaluation:

The UK SMA Newborn Screening Alliance hosted a webinar for those involved in planning for an in service evaluation for newborn screening for SMA. The webinar provided an opportunity to share the expertise and insights of the leading clinicians, academics and patient organisations who are members of the UK SMA Newborn Screening Alliance. The key topics covered in the webinar are:

  • Family perspective on SMA
  • The SMA service across the UK
  • Thames Valley SMA newborn screening pilot
  • Patient information requirements for an in service evaluation

The webinar was attended by members of NHS England, the UK NSC and DHSC.

Any colleagues who missed the live webinar are able to watch a recording below.