Blood Tests GAPP study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Blood tests: GP and Patients' perspectives
IRAS ID
255994
Contact name
Jessica C Watson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Head of Research Governance, University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
GPs order millions of blood tests each year, and rates of testing are rising. GPs might not always explain why they are doing blood tests or what the test results mean. Inflammatory markers are a type of blood test commonly used for diagnosis or monitoring of infections, autoimmune conditions and cancers.It is important that both GPs and patients understand why blood tests are being done and what tests can and cannot tell them about a person’s health.
This study aims to help GPs improve the way they communicate with patients about inflammatory marker blood tests.
To do this we will use qualitative interviews with patients who have recently had these blood tests in their GP surgery, and the GPs who requested these tests. We will also hold focus groups with GPs and patients, to build on these research findings. We will use these findings to develop resources for patients and GPs to improve the shared understanding of inflammatory marker testing.
We want to find out:
a) What is the patient experience of inflammatory marker testing – from GP consultation to results?
b) Do doctors and patients have a shared understanding of the use of inflammatory marker blood tests?
c) How could communication around blood testing be improved?The results of this will be useful for any healthcare professional who is engaged in testing inflammatory markers, and to patients having blood tests.
Summary of Results
Background GPs order millions of blood tests each year, and rates of testing are rising. GPs might not always explain why they are doing blood tests or what the test results mean. Inflammatory markers are a type of blood test commonly used for diagnosis or monitoring of infections, autoimmune conditions and cancers.
It is important that both GPs and patients understand why blood tests are being done and what tests can and cannot tell them about a person’s health.
The aim of this study was to compare patients’ and GPs’ expectations and understanding of these blood tests. This is important to help improve communication and promote a shared understanding of tests.Methods
We interviewed patients who had recently had blood tests, and the GPs who requested these tests. Patients were interviewed at two time points: (1) at or soon after their blood test and (2) after they had received their test result.Findings
28 patients and 19 GPs were recruited from six GP practices. A total of 80 interviews were carried out; 26 GP interviews and 54 patient interviews.
Patients were frequently unaware which blood tests had been done and why. Patients had high expectations of tests, hoping they would provide answers to the cause of their symptoms, whilst doctors’ expectations were more modest. Doctors tended to be reassured by normal results, whereas patients with ongoing symptoms tended to find normal results unhelpful. Misunderstandings and a lack of communication around testing led to anxiety, uncertainty and frustration for patients.Implications
Promoting a shared understanding of tests is important for patient centred care. Informed consent is fundamental in medicine, yet many patients do not know what blood tests they are having done or why. A shared understanding of testing is needed to create meaning from test results. Further research is needed to develop interventions to improve communication.REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0405
Date of REC Opinion
7 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion