Delivering safe and effective test-result communication, management and follow-up: a mixed-methods study protocol

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Safety
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Failure to follow-up on pathology and medical imaging test results creates significant patient safety risks.
• Ineffective test result management compromises the quality and safety of patient care.
• Clear governance, accountability, and communication are crucial for safe test result management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the effectiveness and safety of test result management through enhanced governance.
• To leverage health information technology (IT) for better test result tracking and monitoring.
• To increase consumer participation in developing safe and effective test result management systems.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed-methods project across eight Australian hospitals.
• Qualitative studies (interviews, focus groups, observations) to understand current practices and risks.
• Quantitative analysis of healthcare data and a controlled before-and-after study of IT interventions in emergency departments.
• Consumer-driven approaches including interviews and forums to enhance patient involvement.

Main Results:

• Study 1 identified key patient safety risks in current test result communication and management.
• Study 2 will quantify the impact of interventions on test result notification processes.
• Study 3 will define mechanisms for greater consumer engagement in test management governance.

Conclusions:

• Establishing clear governance and accountability is vital for safe test result management.
• Health IT offers significant potential to improve the monitoring and communication of test results.
• Empowering consumers is essential for creating robust and patient-centered test management systems.