Demand optimisation in diagnostics: standardising diagnostic testing in NHS Boards

Section 2: Aims

The NDOG was funded and scheduled to meet four times across 2016. This timescale meant that the scope and deliverables would be limited and focused around defining recommendations for future demand optimisation structures and implementation strategies. The main aims of the group are summarised below:

a) Information Gathering - Aim to understand what is already happening within NHS Scotland through carrying out a survey of Demand Optimisation activity as well as collecting examples of good practice from NDOG members and beyond.

b) Demand Optimisation Data - Aim to discuss how best to collect data on diagnostic activity. In addition, to establish the importance of using this data both to identify areas of variation in practice and to establish a baseline from which future implementation strategies could be assessed. A proof of concept for a potential Scottish "Atlas of Variation" was also an aim.

c) General Demand Optimisation Guidance - Aim to construct via the NDOG, a "Top Ten" Demand Optimisation set of guidance detailing strategy for implementation across all NHS Boards.

d) Educational Feedback in Primary Care - Aim to explore and provide proof of concept for an educational feedback program to Primary Care that would both highlight comparative laboratory test use along with guidance on appropriate test use.

e) Information Technology Guidance - Given the importance of IT in delivering demand optimisation interventions, the NDOG would aim to develop general guidance regarding the likely areas of interest.

f) National and Local Governance Structures - The NDOG would aim to provide a recommendation on how national and local governance structures could be established to enable demand optimisation strategy to be developed and implemented in a standard, consistent way that drove cost-effectiveness and promoted appropriate diagnostic test use.

g) Effective Diagnostic Pathways - The concept of defining standard pathways of care that utilise new and existing diagnostic tests in order to promote consistent availability and use across NHS Scotland would aim to be explored. A link would also be made to the parallel work emerging through Health Improvement Scotland on Effective Care Pathways.