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Showing results for tags 'Diagnosis'.
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Content ArticleProfessor Ahmet Fuat, North East and North Cumbria Cardiac Network Heart Failure Lead, shares how one tool is helping reduce the current pressures and deliver better outcomes for patients. NT-proBNP testing – a NICE recommended diagnostic tool – is being used to rule out heart failure in primary care. In the North East and North Cumbria, patients must have an NT-proBNP test to be referred for an echocardiogram. This mandated testing helps them to streamline the diagnosis journey for heart failure patients by confirming or ruling out heart failure at the earliest possible opportunity, and reducing unnecessary referrals for echos. For patients, this saves time and distress, and for GPs and Nurse Practitioners, which reduces the number of repeat visits these patients often need to make.
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Content Article
The less survivable cancers: symptoms and key facts
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Cancers
Today, 11 January 2022, the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) launches its first ever Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day, to raise the profile of these cancers and to highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis in improving survival. -
Content ArticleThis manual sets out the process for deciding how topics are identified, selected and routed for NICE guidance developed by the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation (CHTE). This includes diagnostics, highly specialised technologies, interventional procedures, medical technologies and technology appraisal guidance. See also NICE health technology evaluations: the manual.
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Content ArticleDiagnosis lies at the heart of the medical encounter, yet it has received much less attention than treatment. It is widely assumed that negligent diagnosis claims should be governed by the Bolam test, but in this paper, Liddell et al. demonstrate that this is not always the case.
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Content Article
Patient blog - A tale of two MRIs (10 July 2020)
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Patient stories
This blog by patient Lelainia Lloyd in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is a personal account of two starkly different MRI appointment experiences. In the first scan, the technologist said very little to Lelainia and the experience left her with significant anxiety about future MRIs. But her second experience was completely different, with the technologist communicating clearly, asking questions and making sure she felt comfortable throughout the process. Lelainia highlights the importance of communicating clearly and compassionately with patients to make them feel safe and able to ask for help. She outlines some practical steps for healthcare workers to help them engage with patients and ensure they are clearly consenting to all aspects of care and treatment. -
Event
WPA Patient Safety Workshop: Diagnostic Errors
Sam posted an event in Community Calendar
Diagnostic error is the failure to establish an accurate and timely explanation of the patient’s health problem(s) or failure to communicate that explanation to the patient. The global burden of diagnostic errors is significant and has far-reaching implications for patients, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Patient engagement plays a vital role in mitigating diagnostic errors by leveraging the unique knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of patients. Collaborative decision-making and open communication can significantly enhance the accuracy and quality of diagnostic processes, leading to improved patient care. Join the World Patient Alliance workshop on diagnostic errors and learn from leading healthcare providers and patient advocates on what is the global burden of diagnostic errors and how these can be reduced. Register -
EventuntilIn the context of the complex challenges across the health and care landscape, including significant workforce shortages and limited clinical capacity, this free online event will consider the role of diagnostics in supporting those working in the system and keeping people out of hospital. The King's Fund event will explore: the potential that increased access to diagnostic testing, and in particular in vitro diagnostic testing, in primary care, the community and in community diagnostic hubs offers to diagnosing people earlier and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions what innovations in patient pathways mean for those working across the system and how they are being supported to make changes, in the context of the significant challenges they are facing the role integrated care systems can play in developing diagnostic services that encourage innovation and are designed with people and communities at their heart. Register
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Event
Parliament & HealthTech Networking Reception
Sam posted an event in Community Calendar
untilThe event will be hosted by Lord Bethell, Member of the House of Lords and the former Health Minister, who will provide the opening remarks. Health Tech Alliance Chair Dame Barbara Hakin will welcome attendees and chair the event. The event will consist of opening remarks, a keynote address, networking and drinks. This event series follows the successes of our previous Conferences, originating in January 2020 where the launch of the Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award was announced. Our previous keynote speakers include the then-Health Ministers Matt Hancock, Lord Bethell and Lord Kamall, Jeremy Hunt, and Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of NICE. In 2023 we are adding this Networking Reception to address the need for dialogue between politicians, the health system, and industry in helping the NHS to fix much of its current challenges. Drinks and refreshments will be provided to the attendees. The reception is organised by the Health Tech Alliance, a coalition of HealthTech companies and bodies from across the health system working collaboratively to drive up the adoption of vital health technologies, devices and diagnostics that are proven to benefit patient outcomes and deliver cost savings to the NHS. Reserve a place -
EventuntilThis conference from the Westminster Health Forum will focus on the future for diagnostics and medical devices in England - looking at developments and next steps for strategy and regulation. The discussion takes place in the context of the upcoming MedTech strategy from DHSC, and will be an opportunity to examine priorities for improving flexibility and transparency in MedTech supply and procurement, securing value for money, and supporting the adoption of innovation in healthcare settings. Delegates will discuss implementation of the MHRA update to the regulation of medical devices, as well as priorities for safety, assessment and contribution to better patient outcomes. Overall, areas for discussion include: Regulation and evaluation: transition to the new medical device regulations and the updated evaluation process - implementation of the new MHRA medical device regulation proportionate regulation and support for businesses - addressing capacity constraints of authorisation of Approved Bodies patient access: establishing new device frameworks for supporting adoption of innovative medical technology - supporting patient access to devices currently on the market the supply chain: flexibility, transparency and responsiveness in the procurement and supply of medical technology collaboration between healthcare providers and suppliers - engaging healthcare professionals in procurement. Supporting the NHS: workforce efficiency and earlier diagnosis - innovation in diagnostic pathways to address backlogs and wait times - improving patient outcomes and the speed of recovery the role of the new community diagnostic centres - encouraging adoption of new diagnostic methods in the centres and across the NHS. Register
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EventuntilSir Mike Richards’ review of diagnostics, Diagnostics: recovery and renewal, which was commissioned in response to recommendations in the NHS Long-Term Plan, outlined a new diagnostic model for services. The review identified key enablers to drive and deliver much needed to change to optimise diagnostic capacity and improve efficiency, along with the need for a major expansion of the workforce and improved connectivity and digitisation across all aspects of diagnostics. Demand for almost all aspects of diagnostics has been rising year on year. The public’s familiarisation with swab testing and testing closer to home through the Covid-19 has provided a strong launch pad to change the approach to diagnostics in response to this rising demand This King's Fund event will explore what can be learnt from the NHS reponse to Covid-19, how partners are working to reshape diagnostic pathways through community diagnostic centres, point-of-care testing and increasing workforce capability and capacity. Register
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EventThis Westminster Health Forum policy conference will examine the key priorities for the future of cancer prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment as the Government develops a 10-year Cancer Plan for England. Delegates will discuss priorities for the next stage of the elective care backlog delivery plan, including meeting demand as waiting times for new referrals increase, and what can be learned from success in clearing the longest waiting times for patients. With questions about the future of the National Insurance increase and social care funding, it will be an opportunity to discuss priorities for the Government under a new prime minister. Overall, areas for discussion include: the pandemic - assessing its impact on cancer services and patient care - the future for personalised care in England reducing cancer waiting times - options for increasing capacity - priorities for diagnostics, infrastructure and the use of digital technology - building workforce resilience and retention the 10-year Cancer Plan for England - stakeholder perspectives on next steps in its development screening programmes - progress in recovering services and options for future delivery - developing public awareness health outcomes - improving early diagnosis and access to innovation - use of data and developing prevention programmes to meet local need - addressing accessibility and health inequalities personalised care - the future for patient engagement and involvement in their own care plans - how this should look within cancer care in England. Agenda Register
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EventThis Westminster conference discusses the Government’s Women’s Health Strategy for England and the next steps for implementing ambitions in the context of a new Prime Minister. Delegates will look at the priorities for improving women’s health outcomes, service delivery and workforce education. Areas for discussion include: the strategy - scope and emphasis - implementation - the leadership and accountability to achieve progress service development - improving diagnosis - integration - tackling variation in access and other areas of inequality stigma - improvement of the first points of contact in primary care sexual and reproductive health - care and support across the life cycle - diagnosis rates - accessibility of services and information - patient-centred approaches research - areas of focus for women’s health - improving the data and the evidence base inequalities - tackling disparities in health outcomes - building a responsive environment for women’. Register
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Content ArticleDementia remains the biggest killer in the UK and is on track to be the nation’s most expensive health condition by 2030. This report by the charity Alzheimer's Research UK sets out a series of calls for party leaders ahead of the next general election, all of which are underpinned by an urgent recommendation for greater investment in dementia research.
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Content ArticlePatients and families are key partners in diagnosis, but there are few methods to routinely engage them in diagnostic safety. Policy mandating patient access to electronic health information presents new opportunities, and in this study, researchers tested a new online tool—OurDX—that was codesigned with patients and families. The study aimed to determine the types and frequencies of potential safety issues identified by patients with chronic health conditions and their families and whether their contributions were integrated into the visit note. The results showed that probable Diagnostic Safety Opportunities (DSOs) were identified by 7.5% of paediatric and adult patients with underlying health conditions or their families. Among patients reporting diagnostic concerns, 63% were verified as probable DSOs. The most common types of DSOs were patients or families not feeling heard, problems or delays with tests or referrals and problems or delays with explanation or next steps. In chart review, most clinician notes included all or some patient/family priorities and patient-reported histories. The researchers concluded that OurDX can help engage patients and families living with chronic health conditions in diagnosis. Participating patients and families identified DSOs and most of their OurDX contributions were included in the visit note.
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Content Article
Top picks: Six resources about sepsis
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Deterioration and sepsis
According to the UK Sepsis Trust, sepsis affects 245,000 people every year in the UK alone, and 48,000 people die of sepsis-related illnesses. Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognised early and treated promptly. At Patient Safety Learning we believe that sharing insights and learning is vital to improving outcomes and reducing harm. That's why we created the hub; to provide a space for people to come together and share their experiences, resources and good practice examples. We have pulled together six useful resources about sepsis that have been shared on the hub. They include advice on recognising and managing sepsis along with educational materials. -
Content Article
Health Education England: THINK SEPSIS
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Deterioration and sepsis
“THINK SEPSIS” is a Health Education England programme aimed at improving the diagnosis and management of those with sepsis. A number of sepsis cases result in death every year. Some of the deaths are preventable. Prompt recognition of sepsis and rapid intervention will help reduce the number of deaths occurring annually. The learning materials that are available on this website support the early identification and management of sepsis. It includes a film and a wide range of learning materials for primary care, secondary care and paediatrics. -
Content ArticleA new issue brief from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) examines the unique challenges of studying and improving diagnostic safety for children in respect to their overall health, access to care and unique aspects of diagnostic testing limitations for multiple paediatric conditions. The issue brief features approaches to address these challenges cross the care-delivery spectrum, including in primary care offices, emergency departments, inpatient wards and intensive care units. It also provides recommendations for building capacity to advance paediatric diagnostic safety.
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Content ArticleCalibration, defined as alignment between a person’s diagnostic accuracy and their confidence in that accuracy, is an essential component of diagnostic excellence. Miscalibration—the misalignment between a person’s diagnostic accuracy and their confidence in that accuracy—can manifest as either overconfidence or underconfidence and can have serious consequences for patient diagnosis. This resource about calibration from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is primarily aimed at individual clinicians whose scope of practice includes diagnosis. It focuses on processes involved in making a diagnosis and the outcome of giving an explanatory label to patients after these processes unfold.
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Content ArticleDiagnostic error research has largely focused on individual clinicians’ decision making and system design, largely overlooking information from patients. This article in the journal Health Affairs analysed a unique data source of patient- and family-reported error narratives to explore factors that contribute to diagnostic errors. The analysis identified 224 instances of behavioural and interpersonal factors that reflected unprofessional clinician behaviour, including ignoring patients’ knowledge, disrespecting patients, failing to communicate and manipulation or deception. The authors concluded that patients’ perspectives can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of why diagnostic errors occur and help develop strategies for mitigation. They argue that health systems should develop and implement formal programs to collect patients’ experiences with the diagnostic process and use these data to promote an organisational culture that strives to reduce harm from diagnostic error.
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Content ArticleThe aim of this study from Hutchinson et al. was to explore the reasons for and experiences of patients who make an unplanned return visit to the emergency department.
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Content ArticleMost people experience a diagnostic error at least once in their lifetime. Patients’ experiences with their diagnosis could provide important insights when setting research priorities to reduce diagnostic error. The objective of this study from Zwaan et al. was to engage patients in research agenda setting for improving diagnosis. Patients were involved in generating, discussing, prioritising, and ranking of research questions for diagnostic error reduction.
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Content Article
Eating disorders training for health and care staff
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Eating disorders
This series of training programmes was collaboratively developed by eating disorder charity Beat, Health Education England and NHSE. It was developed in response to the 2017 PHSO investigation into avoidable deaths from eating disorders, as outlined in recommendations from the report Ignoring the Alarms: How NHS Eating Disorder Services Are Failing Patients. It is designed to ensure that healthcare staff are trained to understand, identify and respond appropriately when faced with a patient with a possible eating disorder. It includes sessions relevant for different healthcare professionals and includes: Medical students and foundation doctors programme Nursing workforce sessions GP and Primary care workforce sessions Medical Monitoring in eating disorders Understanding Eating Disorders Webinar resource for dietitians, oral health teams and community pharmacy teams -
Content ArticleThis summary guide pulls together best practice to support NHS clinicians to better meet the Faster Diagnosis Standard for cancer. Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) and NHS England’s Cancer Programme have worked in partnership to produce this guidance, which outlines how cancer alliances and local organisations can implement NHS England’s best practice timed diagnostic pathways for cancer. The guidance includes advice for all stages of a cancer diagnosis, from early identification of patients to onward referral, as well as useful insights from the relevant GIRFT national clinical leads and links to best practice case studies. This edition has a particular focus on colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.
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Content ArticleAll aspects of the diagnostic process are potentially vulnerable to error and this can occur in all healthcare settings and services. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the lead Federal agency investing in research to improve diagnostic safety and reduce diagnostic error in the United States. On this webpage they collate a range of different research, tools and resources related to improving diagnostic safety.
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Content ArticleHaving patients actively engaged in their care helps healthcare professionals develop more accurate, timely diagnoses. To help encourage this engagement, the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) has developed the Patient's Toolkit, a resource for patients, by patients. Preparing ahead of time for medical appointments allows patients to think about concerns, symptoms, and other important information that healthcare professionals will need from you, and what you want to get out of the conversation during your visit. SIDM's toolkit was designed for patients visiting their healthcare provider to help tell their story clearly. Patients can follow a set of prompts and questions posed in the toolkit to help encourage participation and partnership with medical professionals. Prepare for you next appointment, map your symptoms, account for medications, and plan your next steps with the Patient's Toolkit.
