Avoiding unnecessary tests
Before any investigations are requested, ask the questions:
- why order this test?
- what is being looked for in the result?
- will it affect the diagnosis?
- will it affect the management of the case?
- will it ultimately benefit the patient? and:
- can the result be obtained more cheaply & less invasively by for example a fuller history or by letting time pass
- are the risks and costs justified by the value of the information likely to be gained?
A definite and sustained reduction in inappropriate requests may be achieved by an policy of interventions such as:
- issuing guidelines and fact sheets
- holding seminars
- a positive attitude among senior staff
Reference:
- Bareford D, Hayling A . Inappropriate use of laboratory services. BMJ 1990;301(6764):1305-1307.
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