Why Test study protocol: a UK-wide audit using the Primary Care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) to explore the reasons for primary care testing.
| Title: | Why Test study protocol: a UK-wide audit using the Primary Care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) to explore the reasons for primary care testing. |
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| Authors: | Burrell A; Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Duncan P; Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Bennett-Britton I; Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.; Hodgson S; Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.; Merriel SW; Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx), Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.; Waqar S; Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.; Whiting P; Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.; Watson J; Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK jessica.watson@bristol.ac.uk. |
| Corporate Authors: | Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT) |
| Source: | BJGP open [BJGP Open] 2022 Sep 28; Vol. 6 (3). Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Sep 28 (Print Publication: 2022). |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101713531 Publication Model: Electronic-Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2398-3795 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 23983795 NLM ISO Abbreviation: BJGP Open Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: London : Royal College of General Practitioners, [2017]- |
| Abstract: | Background: The number of blood tests done in primary care has been increasing over the past 20 years. Some estimates suggest that up to one-quarter of these tests may not have been needed. This could lead to a cascade effect of further investigations, appointments, or referrals, as well as anxiety for patients, increased workload, and costs to the health service. To better understand the impact and sequelae of blood tests on patients, it is necessary to know why blood tests are requested and what is done with the results.; Aim: To explore who orders blood tests and why, and how test results are actioned in primary care.; Design & Setting: Retrospective audit of electronic health records in general practices across the UK.; Method: The Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT), a UK-wide network of primary care health professionals, will be utilised to collect data from individual practices. PACT members will be asked to review the electronic health records of 50 patients who had recent blood tests in their practice, and manually extract anonymised data on who requested the test, the indication, the result, and subsequent actions. Data will also be collected from PACT members to assess the feasibility of the collaborative model.; Conclusion: PACT offers a unique opportunity to extract clinical data which cannot otherwise be obtained. Understanding the indications for tests will help identify priority areas for research to optimise testing and patient safety in primary care.; (Copyright © 2022, The Authors.) |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: clinical decision-making; clinical laboratory techniques; collaborative research; electronic health records; feasibility studies; general practice; hematologic tests; primary health care |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20220504 Latest Revision: 20221124 |
| Update Code: | 20260130 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC9680757 |
| DOI: | 10.3399/BJGPO.2022.0017 |
| PMID: | 35508322 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article