Reducing Declines in NBSS by Boosting Health Professionals’ Knowledge

Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBBS) is a part of 11 NHS national population screening programs in England, testing for nine Conditions. Early diagnosis can prevent severe disability or death, but screening is optional, and parents can decline. Therefore, the objectives are to address the decline in NBBS screening uptake by understanding the underlying reasons and improving the support and training for health professionals. A further objective is to understand why parents decline NBS screening, particularly among the 'movers in' population (babies who have moved into England) and improve health professionals' knowledge and confidence when talking to parents to increase NBS screening uptake.