CHERE evaluating carrier screening for cystic fibrosis

The Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust is funding research to investigate the cost and consequences of implementing a community based cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening program.

CHERE’s Professor Jane Hall and Kees van Gool are joined by Dr John Massy from the Royal Children’s Hospital, Victoria and A/Professor Martin Delatycki from Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Genetic Health Services, Victoria as Chief Investigators on the project.

The cost of cystic fibrosis (CF) screening programs can be substantial but international studies have shown that such programs can bring substantial benefits to prospective parents and to the community. In an era where the public expects maximum value from health care investment, it is important to evaluate the potential costs as well as benefits of any health care program.

This study will be the first to provide evidence on the cost-effectiveness of a community-based CF carrier screening program using Australian data, including information gathered from a Victorian pilot screening program.  The project brings together cystic fibrosis experts and health economists and will provide economic evidence for policy makers to make informed decisions about the development of CF screening in Australia.