SENSS

Sheffield Evidence Network for Screening Synthesis

Informing UK health screening policies through synthesis of research evidence

We specialise in producing high-quality evidence synthesis on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health screening programmes to inform national policy and public health decisions.

Our team

Our purpose and expertise

Rigorous research to shape national health policy

Sheffield Evidence Network for Screening Synthesis (SENSS) is a leading research group dedicated to synthesising and evaluating evidence on health screening programmes. As one of three NIHR-funded Screening Evidence Synthesis Groups (SENSS-NIHR), our work directly supports the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) in making informed decisions about national screening programmes across the UK. Our SENSS group also undertakes evidence synthesis to inform regional and national screening policy for a range of organisations.

Types of screening

Our expertise covers a range of screening topics, from the UK Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme to Colorectal Cancer Screening. By combining systematic reviews, evidence mapping, and economic modelling, our evidence synthesis work provides a robust foundation for public health policy.

The SENSS programme covers many screening topics, including:

- Cancer screening: colorectal cancer, breast cancer, oral cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and other cancers
- Newborn bloodspot and antenatal screening: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), antenatal screening for syphilis
- Genetic testing of adults
- Cardiovascular screening, respiratory screening, screening for kidney disease, and other health screening
- Methodologies for evidence synthesis and modelling for health screening