A draft document was produced by NHS England on standards for communication of diagnostic tests and test results at discharge. NHS England sought comments from Colleges on the document and their support for the standards.By way of background, NHS England is undertaking a programme of work looking at ways to improve communications at the time of discharge from secondary care. As part of this wider programme a focus group was established which includes representation from NHS England, a number of Colleges, individual clinicians from secondary and primary care and patients to develop standards for the communication of diagnostic tests and tests results at discharge.
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
NHS England: Standards for the communication of diagnostic tests and test results at discharge from hospital
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) is pleased to respond to NHS England’s call for views on the draft Standards for communication of diagnostic tests and test results at discharge from hospital.
The College supports these standards and has the following comments:
- There is no doubt that this is an area of complexity and as a result some patients currently “fall between the gaps” and do not receive important information on discharge. Many factors can work against smooth transition, including shift work; changing junior staff; rapid patient turnaround and reduced secretarial support.
- Many hospitals use virtual ward/clinic set ups to help safety net the transition from hospital to community care – hospitals are trying to cut down on number of outpatient clinic slots booked for such work, and virtual work is costly to do in terms of staffing and time, and not always remunerated in a clear way by CCGs. The College would appreciate further clarification on how to cost/pay for such safety netting in this guidance.
- The College welcomes the inclusion of standards around empowering patients and carers to be more involved and better informed.