Screeningwithin

Screeningwithin is a term used to describe embedding screening steps inside a system, workflow, or process, rather than performing screening as a separate external activity. It covers the design of screening criteria and decision rules that operate within ongoing operations, enabling automatic or semi-automatic triage at the point of intake or handling.

Origins are informal; there is no formal standard definition, and usage varies by field. In practice, screeningwithin aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency by ensuring filtering decisions are part of the normal workflow and are documented.

Key features include integration with input channels (forms, APIs, interfaces); explicit criteria or algorithms; process automation or semi-automation; and audit trails. It often uses feedback loops to recalibrate rules over time.

Applications span domains such as internal HR screening, pre-screening patients for trials, triaging data or participants in research, and pre-filtering content or data quality checks in software platforms.

Criticisms include bias in rules, privacy concerns, and potential opacity in automated decisions. Proponents say that when well designed and auditable, screeningwithin can reduce waste and improve fairness by making screening criteria explicit and verifiable.

Related concepts include screening, pre-screening, triage, and internal screening.