Contact: laces@ucl.ac.uk

This project involves developing a systematic map of the evidence on the implementation of screening programmes for diabetic eye. Diabetic eye (or diabetic retinopathy) is the most frequent complication of diabetes and leading cause of visual loss and blindness if left untreated. National screening programmes for diabetic eye have had a large impact on improving outcomes. These programmes have well-structured end-to-end pathways that ensure effective delivery of the test followed by diagnosis and links to appropriate treatment services. However, a present, it is not clear how much evidence is available on the implementation of diabetic eye screening programmes, which parts of the end-to-end pathway have been examined, and which outcomes have been measured and reported. To keep abreast of the innovations and screening practices related to diabetic eye screening, this review aims to map research on the implementation of diabetic eye screening programmes across the UK and four developed countries that have relatively similar health systems to that of the UK: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland. 

A logic model would provide a framework for understanding the various factors and outcomes that are relevant to screening programme implementation. Then, summarising what evidence is available on all aspects of the logic model through a systematic evidence map will allow better formulation of research questions for evidence synthesis and reduce evidence waste in primary studies by identifying areas of research need. This map will also aid in identifying various implementation strategies and screening research priorities in diabetic eye screening and provide insight that could be transferable to other large scale targeted screening programs. It is hoped that this will lead to an evidence-based approach to understanding the key components that facilitate the effective implementation of large national targeted health screening programmes in the UK.