Change of pathology request forms can reduce unwanted requests and tests
- 1St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- 2Department of Chemical Pathology, The Old Medical School Building, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK
- 3Department of Pathology, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr L Parapia Department of Pathology, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK; parapiadoctors.org.uk
- Accepted 17 January 2005
Abstract
Background: Developments in clinical and laboratory medical practice have resulted in a large increase in laboratory workload, with considerable financial implications. It has been shown that the design of laboratory request cards can influence patterns of test ordering and possibly reduce inappropriate requests.
Aims/Methods: To redesign pathology request cards with a view to reducing inappropriate test requesting.
Results: A redesign of the request cards used by general practitioners in the Bradford area led to a significant reduction in the ordering of specific investigations.
Conclusions: The redesigning of pathology request cards can have a beneficial effect on test requesting.
