OPTIMAL TESTING
Research type
Research Study
Full title
DEVELOPING EVIDENCE BASED OPTIMAL TESTING STRATEGIES TO MONITOR LONG TERM CONDITIONS IN PRIMARY CARE
IRAS ID
310372
Contact name
P Whiting
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research 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.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0062
Date of REC Opinion
5 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion