Pathology test results being sent electronically to care providers overnight, and testing facilities being made available in non-traditional settings, are two applications of technology to be looked at by an independent review of pathology services set up by the Department of Health this week.
The independent review panel will look at ways that existing technology can be used to redesign pathology services around patients. An associated document, ‘Modernising Pathology Services: Building a Service Responsive to Patients’, was published with a view of "re-energising the modernisation programme" for pathology services.
Health minister Lord Warner said: "Almost all NHS patients require diagnostic tests, so this modernisation to provide efficient pathology services that are convenient for NHS patients, and wanted by them, is vital. Waiting for diagnosis can be a worrying time and we are determined to provide easier access to test and the results as quickly as possible."
Results from other routine tests in haematology and clinical biochemistry are sent electronically back to GPs overnight, with a hard copy being delivered the following day. Additionally, high-street testing pilots sponsored by the DH have been taking place in pharmacies across northwest England in order to support patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, a Scientific Technologies Subgroup has been set up to advice the National Pathology Oversight Group on networking and diagnostic technology. According to the document, as pathology services slowly migrate to primary care new technology and work processes will be needed in order to increase the speed of treatment.
"Almost all NHS patients require diagnostic tests, whether they are seen in primary, secondary or tertiary care settings," says the report. "The challenge for pathology is to deliver results and reports in a way and at a time and place that better informs patients."
Last February, the document ‘Modernising Pathology Services’ was published. The purpose of the newly published paper was to update the plans in the context of recent reports, namely the NHS Improvement Plan, the Gershon report, and recently published safety standards into health and social care.
Lord Carter of Coles will be chairing the independent panel. Other panel members, yet to be appointed, will number specialists in technology surrounding pathology services.
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Modernising Pathology Services: Building a Service Responsive to Patients