Patients Association: Patient experience of diagnostics report (13 February 2024)

Summary

This report by the Patients Association analyses the opinions and experiences of diagnostic testing services of more than 1,000 NHS patients. It highlights that patients view diagnostics as a fundamental part of the NHS—and one that should be prioritised. Most respondents (93%) want testing capacity to be invested in over the coming years so that patients can receive tests and diagnosis more quickly. Patients place such importance on diagnostics that 60% would consider paying for the tests they need if they faced a long wait on the NHS.

Content

Key findings

• More than nine out of ten (93%) respondents want testing capacity to be invested in over the coming years so that patients can receive tests and diagnosis more quickly.
• More than nine out ten (91%) want investment in diagnostics and new technology to be prioritised.
• Three out of five (60%) would consider paying privately if they faced long waits on the NHS.
• More than 3 in 4 (77%) would be happy to test themselves at home.  
• Four out of five (82%) want more discussion of testing options when being referred. 
• Around nine out of ten (88%) want a realistic timeline for receiving results.
• A third (36%) reported their physical health declined while waiting for tests. 
• A third (34%) said their mental health declined while waiting for tests.