New Joiners Routine (NJR) – A novel screening tool in military primary care

Abstract

Introduction– This paper describes and audits a novel method of health care screening in a military setting and questions the validity of the current PULHHEEMS system. The system involves screening patients at entry into an establishment with the aim of making them fit for task.Methods– A retrospective DMICP case note review was conducted over 3 months following the introduction of the New Joiners Routine (NJR), to assess the level of positive screening findings, and the number of medical interventions that resulted from this screening. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were also assessed during the time frame of the audit.Results – 131/194 (67.5%) had an unmet health need/ positive screening finding. This led to 66 medical interventions in 54 (25.7%) patients. KPIs during this period were markedly improved.Discussion – Although not conclusive, this audit strongly suggests an improvement in culture in making personnel fit for task, and reflects the medical evidence of moving away from asymptomatic periodic health screening to targeted health screening.