Pathology: Tackling

Unwarranted Variation

Dr Bernie CroalRCPath Vice-President

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

The Diagnostic Atlas of Variation

Data Quality ?

Variation Justified ?

• Casemix• Guidelines• PCT Policy

Inappropriate Requesting

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

Inappropriate RequestingOver Requesting

Under Requesting- Awareness- Availability (Postcode Diagnostics)

Optimising Patient CareFinancial efficiency

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

Solutions

1. Education- Undergrad/Postgrad/”On-the-Job”

2. Demand Management- Pathology Demand Optimisation Group

3. IT Support- Intelligent Requesting – Support/Blocks/Pathways- NLMC – Common Language

4. Politics/Policy- Commissioning/Reconfiguration/Providers

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

National Initiatives

- Main Pathology Stakeholders- Define New Demand Management Toolkit- Minimum Retesting Intervals (MRIs)- Incorporate into Culture/Policy

Pathology Demand Optimisation Group

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

Demand Management Toolkit

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

Minimum Retesting Intervals

The NHS Atlas of Variation in Diagnostic Services – Nov 2013

Solutions

Right Test, Right Patient, Right Time

1. Education- Undergrad/Postgrad/”On-the-Job”

2. Demand Management- Pathology Demand Optimisation Group

3. IT Support- Intelligent Requesting – Support/Blocks/Pathways- NLMC – Common Language

4. Politics/Policy- Commissioning/Reconfiguration/Providers