2. Health examination survey (HES) HES is a population survey with physical examinations, laboratory tests, physical functioning tests, etc. ; and a questionnaire

3. Background of the Workshop Some crucial population level health information can be obtained only by HES Successful examples of HESs in some countries Many European countries have plans for a HES in the near future No international standardization EU’s activities WHO’s activities

4. FEHES Feasibility of a European HES Project of EU’s Public Health Programme March 2006-August 2008 Coordinated by KTL (Finland) Associated partners UCL (UK) RIVM (the Netherlands) ISS (Italy) FHI (+SSB)(Norway) Contact persons in all EU Member States, applicant countries and in EFTA/EEA countries (except Liechtenstein)

5. FEHES findings Feasible to carry out a standardized national HES in most European countries Added value of HES as a source of health information Technical implementation of a HES Expertise and experience International coordination Ethical and legal issues Cost

6. FEHES findings In order to get comparable information from the forthcoming national HES, international collaborative actions are needed now. International collaboration will lower the threshold for organizing a national HES in many countries.

7. Aim of Workshop From need of standardized HESs to action What to measure in a HES How to measure How to organize a HES Sampling and recruitment Ethical and legal issues Funding How to organize international coordination Motivation of those who decide

8. Background documents Review of HESs in Europe Draft recommendations for HESs in Europe Fact sheets Documents will be finalized after the meeting

9. Workshop Participants FEHES country contact persons Other relevant EU projects and initiatives European Commission, Eurostat, ECDC WHO National HES of Canada and USA Organizers DG Sanco, PHEA, FEHES Project