J Korean Med Assoc.  2008 Jan;51(1):74-83.

Overview of the National Health Screening Program for Infant and Children

• Eun BL
• Chung HJ

Abstract

The mission of the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children is to promote and improve the health, education, and well-being of infants, children, families, and communities. Although the term 'diagnosis' usually relates to pathology, a similar diagnostic approach applies to a child seen primarily for health supervision. In the case of health, diagnosis determines the selection of appropriate health promoting and preventive interventions, whether medical, dental, nutritional, educational, or psychosocial. Components of the diagnostic process in health supervision include the health 'interview'; assessment of physiological, emotional, cognitive, and social development (including critical developmental milestones); physical examination; screening procedures; and evaluation of strengths and issues. Open and informed communication between the health professional and the family remains the most significant component of both health diagnosis and health promotion. Families complete medical history forms at their health supervision visit. Family-friendly questionnaires, checklists, and surveys that are appropriate for the child's age are additional tools to improve and update data gathering. This type of information helps initiate and facilitate discussions between the family and the health professional. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children in Korea.

Keyword

National health programs; Developmental surveillance; Infant; Child; Korea

MeSH Terms

Checklist
Child
Health Occupations
Health Promotion
Humans
Infant
Korea
Mass Screening
Missions and Missionaries
National Health Programs
Organization and Administration
Surveys and Questionnaires
Social Change

Figure

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  Figure 1 The diagram of National Health Screening Program process.

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  Figure 2 The diagram of designated institute for National Health Screening Program.

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  Figure 3 Cause of prevalent disease by age group, South Korea, 2002.

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