Managing results of tests 

tags: investigations

How to manage results at the GP practice

1. Review the result and describe the finding. For example, if the result is a raised Hba1c, you would describe this as "hyperglycemia."

2. Review the reasons for the tests that were ordered. This will help you to understand the context of the results and to determine the next steps.

3. Review the patient's relevant medical history, drug history, allergies, social history, and family history. This information can help you to make a diagnosis and to develop a management plan.

4. Generate a working diagnosis and differential diagnosis. This is a list of possible diagnoses, ranked in order of likelihood.

5. Determine the relevant guidance and principles that apply to the patient's results and working diagnosis. This may include clinical practice guidelines, national guidelines, or local protocols.

6. Apply the guidance and principles to the patient's results and working diagnosis. This will help you to develop a management plan that is evidence-based and tailored to the individual patient.

7. Create a management plan that includes discussions with the patient. The patient should be involved in all decisions about their care.

8. Consider high-risk scenarios. For example, if the patient has a complex medical history or if the results are outside of the normal range, you may need to take additional steps to assess and manage the risk.

9. Brief your supervisor. This is important for ensuring continuity of care and for getting feedback on your management plan.

Documentation 

1. Supervisor and student 

2. PC: review of tests 

3. HPC: 

• What the tests show 

• Reasons for tests: 

4. Relevant PMH 

5. Relevant DH/Allergies 

6. Relevant FH/SH 

7. Relevant guidelines/theories/principles/Sources of information. You can copy and paste links, text. 

8. Define the issues a)differentials b)other issues 

9. Management plan including discussions with supervisor. What questions remain.