Optimal Testing

CPMS code:  52287

Lead Network: West of England

Study Summary

What is the problem? 

The number of blood tests performed in the NHS is increasing. Over half of these blood tests take place in general practice to monitor long-term conditions (LTC). Testing blood can be unnecessary, may cause distress and lead to further tests and treatments that may not be needed. However, not testing may miss things that might be wrong. Current guidelines on what tests people with LTC should have to monitor their condition are based on expert opinion rather than research evidence. 

What are we trying to find out? 

We want to develop evidence-based testing strategies to monitor people with high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease in general practice. This will let patients, doctors and nurses know which are the best tests for these conditions, how often to test patients, and how to use the results. It has the potential to free up resources from general practice, reduce unnecessary testing for patients and improve overall management of LTC. 

What are we going to do? 

As part of a 5-year programme consisting of 5 integrated work-packages (WP) in WP3, we will interview patients, GPs and nurses about their views on testing and how they would feel about changing testing practice. WP4 will involve work with patients, doctors and nurses to produce information in the form of leaflets or online guides to support those using the new testing strategy. Patient and public involvement Three patient representatives have been involved in the design of the programme and will continue to be involved. We have recruited a patient advisory group which will oversee the project and meet twice a year. Sharing our findings All results will be reported in peer reviewed health care journals. Relevant patient groups, and our patient advisors, will help us communicate our findings to patients.

The search files hosted on this website are based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria as described in the study protocol and have been built and tested with input from our GP Champion teams. Every effort is made to keep the search files  hosted here maintained and up-to-date. 

However, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to review the search and make any practice specific amendments as deemed necessary*. 

Please DO NOT mail out to patients until you have confirmation and sign off ('green light') from the study team.

*You should advise the study team of any amendments you make to the search.

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

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