Search the hub
Showing results for tags 'Diagnosis'.
-
News ArticleMinisters are being urged to roll out a better testing regime for one of the country’s biggest killers, with the most recent figures showing death rates for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more than three times higher in some of the most deprived areas of the country. More than 20,000 people a year in England die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The most significant cause of COPD is smoking, but a significant proportion of cases are work-related, triggered by exposure to fumes, chemicals and dust at work. Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that death rates from the disease are significantly higher in more deprived areas of the country. The NHS is rolling out targeted lung screening across England for people aged between 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers. The charity Asthma + Lung UK says the checks will identify many people who may have COPD, but there is no established protocol for them to be diagnosed and given appropriate treatment and support. Dr Samantha Walker, interim chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Once targeted lung health checks are fully rolled out, millions of people could be told they have an incurable lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but they won’t be given a firm diagnosis or signposted to the right support, which is simply unacceptable. “What we need to see is a national referral pathway in place for those people who show signs of having other lung conditions as part of this screening process to ensure that people with all suspected lung conditions get the diagnosis and treatments that they deserve. We know that people with lung disease will live better, fuller lives with an earlier diagnosis.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 24 March 2024
- Posted
-
- Medicine - Respiratory
- Diagnosis
- (and 3 more)
-
Content ArticleThe role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is expanding quickly with clinical, administrative, and patient facing uses emerging in many specialties. Research on the effectiveness of AI in healthcare is generally weak, but evidence of AI improving doctor’s diagnostic decisions is emerging for some focused clinical applications, including interpreting lung pathology and retinal images. However, we must work with patients to understand how AI impacts on their care, says Rebecca Rosen in this BMJ opinion piece.
- Posted
-
- Digital health
- Patient engagement
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleAmbulatory safety nets not only safeguard against diagnostic errors, they also encourage collaboration, support health care providers, and break down competitive barriers for the greater good of patient safety.
- Posted
-
- Diagnosis
- Patient engagement
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleSevere myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in children and young people is a little-understood condition which significantly impacts education, development and quality of life. This study in BMJ Paediatrics Open used data from a population-wide surveillance study to explore the screening investigation, referral and management of suspected cases of paediatric severe ME/CFS. The authors found that full investigation is frequently incomplete in children and young people with suspected severe ME/CFS. Recommendations for referral and management are poorly implemented—in particular the needs of children and young people who are unable to leave their home might be poorly met.
- Posted
-
- Children and Young People
- Paediatrics
- (and 3 more)
-
Content ArticleDiagnostic errors cause significant patient harm. The clinician’s ultimate goal is to achieve diagnostic excellence in order to serve patients safely. This can be accomplished by learning from both errors and successes in patient care. However, the extent to which clinicians grow and navigate diagnostic errors and successes in patient care is poorly understood. Clinically experienced hospitalists, who have cared for numerous acutely ill patients, should have great insights from their successes and mistakes to inform others striving for excellence in patient care.
- Posted
-
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic error
- (and 3 more)
-
Content ArticleDiagnostic delays in the emergency department (ED) are a serious patient safety concern. This retrospective cohort study included children treated at 954 EDs across 8 states, and examined the association between ED volume and delayed diagnosis of first-time diagnosis of an acute, serious conditions (e.g., bacterial meningitis, compartment syndrome, stroke). The researchers found that EDs with lower pediatric volume had higher rates of delayed diagnosis across 23 serious conditions.
- Posted
-
- Paediatrics
- Emergency medicine
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleGetting a diagnosis for endometriosis now takes almost a year longer than before the pandemic, according to new research published by Endometriosis UK during Endometriosis Action Month 2024. The new study shows that diagnosis times in the UK have significantly worsened over the last 3 years, increasing to an average of 8 years and 10 months, an increase of 10 months since 2020. This lengthy wait means a delay in accessing treatment, during which the disease may progress, leading to worsening physical symptoms and a risk of permanent organ damage. Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
- Posted
-
- Endometriosis
- Womens health
- (and 6 more)
-
News Article
Endometriosis: Women in Wales waiting 10 years for diagnosis
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
The wait to be diagnosed with endometriosis has increased to almost ten years, a "devastating" milestone say women with the condition. It now takes almost a year more than before 2020 to be diagnosed, according to research published by Endometriosis UK, which is setting up new volunteer-led support groups in Wales. The wait in Wales is also the longest in the UK, the research found. The Welsh government said it knew there was "room for improvement". "Nobody listened to me, and to feel like women are still going through that 20 years after my diagnosis is horrific," said Michelle Bates. The 48-year old from Cardiff was diagnosed aged 25 after suffering with "harrowing" pain from age 13 onwards - a 12-year wait. "I went back and forth to the GP with my mum, who was the only one who believed in my pain," she said. The study by Endometriosis UK, which is based on a survey of 4,371 people who received a diagnosis of endometriosis, showed almost half of all respondents (47%) had visited their GP 10 or more times with symptoms prior to receiving a diagnosis, and 70% had visited five times or more. It also found 78% of people who later went on to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis - up from 69% in 2020 - were told by doctors they were making a "fuss about nothing", or comments to that effect. Read full story Source: BBC News, 18 March 2024- Posted
-
- Endometriosis
- Womens health
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content Article
Top picks: 12 research papers on Long Covid
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Blogs
We are seeing more and more people who have been devastated by the long-lasting impact of Covid-19. Long Covid is a relatively new condition which is still being studied and the need for more awareness and advocacy has never been greater. Scientists are carrying out large-scale clinical trials and researchers are on the hunt for new therapies in the hope that patients with Long Covid will finally see improvements in treatment and support for their symptoms. In this Top picks blog, shared on International Long Covid Awareness Day, we highlight 12 recent research papers on Long Covid.- Posted
-
- Long Covid
- Post-virus support
-
(and 6 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content Article
Unpacking cancer disparities in England (7 March 2024)
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Cancers
Despite major gains in diagnosis and treatment, England continues to experience high disparities in cancer outcomes, with social and financial deprivation major drivers. This article from the thinktank Public Policy Projects looks at the underlying issues that lead to variation in both the likelihood of developing cancer, such as dietary differences, and in diagnosis, such as inaccessible screening programmes- Posted
-
- Cancer
- Health inequalities
- (and 4 more)
-
News ArticleAt least 50,000 people will die from pancreatic cancer over the next five years unless the government gives more funding to improve how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated, a major charity has warned. Pancreatic Cancer UK hit out at 50 years of “unacceptably slow progress” compared to other types of cancer as it warned that thousands of lives will be lost unless £35m of “urgent” investment is put towards improving survival rates of the disease. The charity predicted that pancreatic cancer – described by experts as the “quickest-killing cancer” – is expected to kill more people each year than breast cancer by 2027, which would make it the fourth-biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. The charity has also called for a commitment to treat everyone diagnosed with the cancer within 21 days, which it says would double the number of people getting treatment in time. Figures show that, compared to the 52.5% survival rate across the 20 most common cancers in the UK, those with pancreatic cancer have just a 7% survival rate. Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, with 9,558 deaths a year, according to Cancer Research UK, with more than half of people dying within three months of diagnosis. Read full story Source: The Independent, 12 March 2024
-
News Article
Ombudsman warns over-stretched doctors could put cancer patients at risk
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
England’s NHS Ombudsman has warned that cancer patients could be put at risk because of over-stretched and exhausted health staff working in a system at breaking point and delays in diagnosis and treatment. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) revealed that between April 2020 and December 2023, his Office carried out 1,019 investigations related to cancer. Of those 185 were upheld or partly upheld. Issues with diagnosis and treatment were the most common cancer-related issues investigated by PHSO. These issues included treatment delays, misdiagnosis, failure to identify cancer, the mismanagement of conditions, and pain management. Complaints about cancer care also included concerns about poor communication, complaint handling, referrals, and end-of-life care. Most investigations were about lung cancer, followed by breast cancer and colorectal cancer. The Ombudsman recently closed an investigation around the death of Sandra Eastwood whose cancer was not diagnosed for almost a year after scans were not read correctly. The delay meant she missed out on the chance of treatment which has a 95% survival rate. In 2021, PHSO published a report about recurrent failings in the way X-rays and scans are reported on and followed up across the NHS service. Mr Behrens said, “What happened to Mrs Eastwood was unacceptable and her family’s grief will no doubt have been compounded by knowing that mistakes were made in her care. “Her case also shows, in the most tragic of ways, that while some progress has been made on my recommendations to improve imaging services, it is not enough and more must be done. “Government must act now to prioritise this issue and protect more patients from harm.” Read full story Source: Parliamentary Health and Health Service Ombudsman, 9 March 2024- Posted
-
- Lack of resources
- Additional staff required
- (and 6 more)
-
Content ArticleThis study compared the blood of patients with confirmed Covid-19 infection with that of uninfected controls. The authors found that there were changes to serum proteins in the blood of patients experiencing Long Covid. This indicates activation of the immune system’s complement cascade, altered coagulation and tissue injury. At the cellular level, Long Covid was linked to aggregates comprising monocytes and platelets. These findings provide knowledge of potential biomarkers for diagnosis and may inform directions for treatments.
- Posted
-
- Long Covid
- Pandemic
-
(and 5 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleSepsis is an emergency medical condition where the immune system overreacts to an infection. It affects people of all ages and, without urgent treatment, can lead to organ failure and death. This leaflet by the Sepsis Trust outlines the symptoms of sepsis in children and aims to help parents and carers identify when to seek medical help.
-
News Article
Women in UK waiting almost nine years for endometriosis diagnosis, study finds
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Women are waiting nearly nine years for an endometriosis diagnosis in the UK, according to research that found health professionals often minimise or dismiss symptoms. The study by the charity Endometriosis UK suggests waiting times for a diagnosis have significantly deteriorated in the past three years, increasing to an average of eight years and 10 months, up 10 months since 2020. In Scotland, the average diagnosis time has increased by four months. The report, based on a survey of 4,371 people who have received a diagnosis, shows that 47% of respondents had visited their GP 10 or more times with symptoms before being diagnosed, and 70% had visited five times or more. The chief executive of Endometriosis UK, Emma Cox, said: “Taking almost nine years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis is unacceptable. Our finding that it now takes even longer to get a diagnosis of endometriosis must be a wake-up call to decision-makers to stop minimising or ignoring the significant impact endometriosis can have on both physical and mental health.” The report includes examples of patients’ experiences, with many being told that their pain was “normal”. One said: “I was constantly dismissed, ignored and belittled by medical professionals telling me that my symptoms were simply due to stress and tiredness. I persevered for over 10 years desperate for help.” Another said she had been told she was “being dramatic” after going to her GP as a teenager with painful periods. Another said: “A&E nurses told me that everyone has period pain so take paracetamol and go home.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 4 March 2024- Posted
-
- Womens health
- Endometriosis
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleSpina bifida develops early in the embryonic stage of pregnancy but is not usually detected until the midterm (20 week) ultrasound scan. Shine conducted a survey to assess the antenatal care experiences of parents to children with spina bifida. Volunteers were recruited via social media and 71 eligible (UK-based) responses were received, revealing numerous elements of antenatal care in need of significant improvement. Shine have published the findings and recommendations for improving antenatal diagnosis and care for spina bifida.
- Posted
-
- Pregnancy
- Medicine - Neurology
- (and 6 more)
-
News Article
Over 30 sepsis deaths linked to ‘systemic’ failings, investigation reveals
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Major progress made in sepsis care during the previous decade has been significantly reversed amid repeated failures in recognising and treating the condition. HSJ has identified 31 deaths in the last five years where coroners have warned of systemic problems with diagnosing and treating sepsis, including nine cases relating to children. Many of the deaths were deemed avoidable. Meanwhile, investigations suggest a majority of acute trusts are failing to record their treatment rates for sepsis, which is deemed a crucial aspect of driving improvements. Repeated shortcomings raised by coroners, including 10 separate cases in 2023, include delays or failures to administer antibiotics, not following protocols for identifying sepsis, and inaccurate, missed or skipped observations. Health ombudsman Rob Behrens, who issued a report on sepsis failures last year, said the same mistakes were “clearly being repeated time and time again”. He added: “What is chilling to me is that these [coroners’ reports] fit in almost exactly with the issues we raised in our sepsis report… and even the 2013 sepsis report issued by my predecessor, including unnecessary delays, wrong diagnosis, and failure to provide adequate plans for sepsis.” Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 27 February 2024- Posted
-
- Sepsis
- Patient death
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleThis 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.
- Posted
-
- Diagnosis
- Tests / investigations
- (and 3 more)
-
EventuntilThis webinar will explore the findings from the Patients Association's Patient Experience of Diagnostics report and consider its recommendations. The panellists are: Professor Sir Mike Richards, who was the first National Cancer Director at the Department of Health Karen Stalbow, Head of Diagnostic Policy at NHS England Dr Ashton Harper, Head of Medical Affairs at Roche Diagnostics Ltd. Patients Association Chief Executive Rachel Power will chair the session and the panel will include patients. The webinar will be held on Zoom and is free to attend. Book your place.
-
Content ArticleIn my 15 years focusing on developing drink thickening solutions for dysphagia patients, the intersection of dysphagia management and patient safety has become increasingly apparent. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, presents not only as a significant health challenge but also as a critical patient safety issue. The condition's underdiagnosis, particularly in vulnerable populations, heightens the risk of severe complications, including choking, aspiration pneumonia, dehydration and the profound fear of choking that can lead to malnutrition.
- Posted
-
- Health inequalities
- Food
- (and 13 more)
-
News Article
Oesophageal cancer test ‘should be made more available in UK’
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A test that can detect oesophageal cancer at an earlier stage than current methods should be made more widely available to prevent deaths, charities have said. The capsule sponge test, previously known as Cytosponge, involves a patient swallowing a dissolvable pill on a string. The pill then releases a sponge which collects cells from the oesophagus as it is retrieved. The test can detect abnormalities that form as part of a condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus, which makes a person more likely to develop oesophageal cancer. In the UK 9,300 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer a year, according to Cancer Research. The disease is difficult to detect because the symptoms for the cancer are not easily recognisable – and can be mistaken for indigestion – until a it is at an advanced stage. The capsule sponge test can detect the cancer at an earlier stage than the current methods, such as an endoscopy, used to diagnose oesophageal cancer. However, it is only currently available to higher-risk patients as an alternative to endoscopy as part of NHS pilot schemes. Cancer Research UK is working with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) on a trial that will recruit 120,000 people to see if the capsule sponge test can reduce deaths from oesophageal cancer. If successful, the test could be rolled out more widely. Mimi McCord, the founder of Heartburn Cancer UK, who lost her husband, Mike, to oesophageal cancer in 2002, said: “Cancer of the oesophagus is a killer that can hide in plain sight. People don’t always realise it, but not all heartburn is harmless. While they keep on treating the symptoms, the underlying cause might be killing them.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 5 February 2024 -
Content ArticleThis is part of our series of Patient Safety Spotlight interviews, where we talk to people working for patient safety about their role and what motivates them. Chidiebere is passionate about increasing representation of Black people in all forms of medical literature. In this interview, he explains how lack of representation at all levels of the healthcare system leads to disparities in healthcare experiences and outcomes. He outlines the importance of speaking openly about how racial bias affects patient safety, and argues that dispelling damaging myths about particular patient groups starts with equipping people with accurate health knowledge from a young age.
-
Content ArticleThis NICE guideline covers the recognition, diagnosis and early management of suspected sepsis. It includes recommendations on recognition and early assessment, initial treatment, escalating care, finding the source of infection, early monitoring, information and support, and training and education. In January 2024,, the evidence was reviewed and NICE has made new recommendations on risk evaluation and management of suspected sepsis for people aged 16 or over who are not and have not recently been pregnant, in mental health, ambulance and acute hospital settings. This covers the population and settings in which the national early warning score (NEWS2) applies.
- Posted
-
- Sepsis
- Deterioration
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
News Article
People severely ill with suspected sepsis should be given antibiotics, Nice says
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
People who are severely ill with suspected sepsis should promptly be given life-saving access to antibiotics to prevent unnecessary deaths, according to updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE.) The guidelines state that the national early warning score should be used to assess people with suspected sepsis aged 16 and over, who are not and have not recently been pregnant, and are in an acute hospital setting or ambulance. The updated guidance also recommends that doctors are more considerate as to who is given antibiotics, in order to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in people being prescribed them for less severe cases of sepsis. With the update, NICE says that more people will be categorised at a lower risk level where a sepsis diagnosis should be confirmed before being given antibiotics. Prof Jonathan Benger, Nice’s chief medical officer, said: “This useful and usable guidance will help ensure antibiotics are targeted to those at the greatest risk of severe sepsis, so they get rapid and effective treatment. It also supports clinicians to make informed, balanced decisions when prescribing antibiotics. “We know that sepsis can be difficult to diagnose so it is vital there is clear guidance on the updated [national early warning score] so it can be used to identify illness, ensure people receive the right treatment in the right clinical setting and save lives." Read full story Source: The Guardian, 31 January 2024- Posted
-
- Sepsis
- Deterioration
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
News Article
Blood test could revolutionise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, experts say
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A blood test for detecting Alzheimer’s disease could be just as accurate as painful and invasive lumbar punctures and could revolutionise diagnosis of the condition, research suggests. Measuring levels of a protein called p-tau217 in the blood could be just as good as lumbar punctures at detecting the signs of Alzheimer’s, and better than a range of other tests under development, experts say. The protein is a marker for biological changes that happen in the brain with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Richard Oakley, an associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This study is a hugely welcome step in the right direction as it shows that blood tests can be just as accurate as more invasive and expensive tests at predicting if someone has features of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain. “Furthermore, it suggests results from these tests could be clear enough to not require further follow-up investigations for some people living with Alzheimer’s disease, which could speed up the diagnosis pathway significantly in future. However, we still need to see more research across different communities to understand how effective these blood tests are across everyone who lives with Alzheimer’s disease.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 23 January 2024