Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a suitable screening program?

A suitable screening program is evaluated based on several critical criteria to ensure that it effectively identifies at-risk individuals while also being practical and beneficial for public health. These criteria include understanding the natural history of the condition being screened, the availability of effective treatment options, and cost-effectiveness.

The natural history of a disease refers to the progression of the condition without any intervention. Understanding this is essential for a screening program, as it helps determine at what stage screening would be most useful. If the natural progression of a disease is known, it allows for timely interventions to improve health outcomes.

Additionally, the availability of treatment is crucial. A screening program that identifies individuals with a condition must also ensure that there are effective interventions available to treat those individuals. This is necessary to justify the resources spent on screening and to enhance the overall health of the population.

Cost-effectiveness is also a vital consideration. A good screening program must provide value; this means that the benefits of the screening and subsequent interventions should outweigh the costs involved, making it a reasonable use of healthcare resources.

While patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable feedback about the screening process and its acceptability, they are not essential criteria for deeming a screening program suitable. Satisfaction is important for sustaining participation in screening, but it