Test Smart study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The clinical and cost-effectiveness of an evidence-based testing package to monitor long term conditions (LTC) in primary care: the “Test Smart” cluster randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
346468
Contact name
Adam Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 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). Unnecessary tests can cause distress and lead to further tests and treatments that are not be needed. However, not testing could miss important problems.
Patients aren’t always told which blood tests they are having, and don’t always understand what their test results mean. Current guidelines on which tests people with LTC should have are based on expert opinion rather than research evidence.
What are we trying to find out?
We want to develop evidence-based testing strategies (EBTS) for people with LTC 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 have we done already?
We have developed evidence-based lists of tests for monitoring patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. We have also developed resources to help patients understand what their blood tests mean for their health. Together these make up the “Test Smart ” intervention.
What are we going to do?
We will implement the Test Smart intervention in 10 GP practices and will compare rates of testing before and after implementation and to 10 GP practices that aren’t using our testing strategies. We will monitor hospitalisations to see whether there are any risks involved in having less tests. We will also look at patient outcomes including ‘patient activation’, to see if patients feel more in control of their health when they are given more information to help them understand their monitoring tests.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0237
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion