The UNITE Study V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The UNITE study: Understanding and Improving communication about diagnosis and TEsting in primary care – a participatory ethnographic study to inform clinical practice
IRAS ID
352146
Contact name
Lotte Elton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND
Blood testing rates in primary care have tripled since 2000, with nearly half of all NHS tests now conducted in this setting. Blood tests are often over-ordered, leading to high costs (£1.8bn in 2015-16), increased clinician workload, and potential harm to patients.Effective communication about the limitations, risks, and purpose of blood tests is critical, yet is often lacking. Understanding how blood tests are discussed in practice is vital to addressing their rising use and ensuring they are used wisely, especially now that patients increasingly access test results online. This research will explore how and whether the limitations of blood tests are discussed in primary care settings.
AIM
This project will explore how blood tests are discussed between patients and GP staff. It aims to improve communication about the limitations and risks of blood tests. This means that patients can be more involved in decisions about blood testing and can understand better what blood tests mean for their health.METHODS
This project has four work packages (WPs):WP1: Meta-ethnography synthesising existing qualitative literature on blood testing communication in primary care.
WP2: Detailed ethnographic observation in two general practices with contrasting patient populations, focusing on consultations where blood tests are discussed.
WP3: Video-reflexive ethnography workshops with primary care staff to identify complex challenges around blood testing communication as well as opportunities for change.
WP4: Forum Theatre workshops with members of the public and primary care staff to develop strategies to improve blood test communication. The findings will inform a co-produced workshop (for clinicians) and an online resource (for patients) to support improved blood test communication.
IMPACT
This participatory research project will highlight the primary care consultation as a key site of opportunity for prudent blood testing. It will engage primary care staff and the public to co-produce resources to encourage more effective communication about the limitations of blood tests.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0273
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion