Today marks World Patient Safety Day, a campaign by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that seeks to foster collaboration between patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers and health and care leaders to improve patient safety.

The theme for this year’s World Patient Safety Day is focused on improving diagnosis, specifically through diagnostics, for patient safety, using the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!”. 

Diagnostics

Diagnostics are the cornerstone of effective healthcare, encompassing a wide range of procedures, from blood tests, CT scans, and colonoscopies. These tools are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

In early 2024, we ran a survey asking patients about their current experiences of diagnostics. We found that patients are positive about the future of diagnostics testing. However, they also identified difficulties they had faced with access to testing, a lack of communication around their tests, and waiting times both for appointments and results.

Patient Experience – A mixed experience

The respondents to our patient experiences of diagnostic tests survey said that they felt that diagnostics testing should be more accessible. Patients shared stories of having to travel long distances to get tests, as well as difficulties in getting tests in their local area.

Of the respondents, just one in ten (11%) said that they had never had any issues getting either a test or their results, or faced no consequences if they did.

Access to care is an ongoing issue for patients. Our general election survey showed that the need for improvements in both primary and secondary care is a priority for the public.

Genuine two-way communication

WHO says that diagnostics errors can be the result of a lack of communication between health and care workers internally, and between health and care workers and patients. Our patient experience of diagnostics survey identified that a lack of communication around appointments for tests and when test results would be shared were a concern for patients. Almost nine in ten (87%) wanted a better explanation of what their test results mean for them, and how the results might affect their treatment.

“Taking a patient-centred approach in diagnostics can involve clear communication, involving patients in decision-making, and addressing their concerns and preferences.”

For patients to be treated safely, it is important for them to be kept informed. A lack of communication around what diagnostics tests may mean for patients’ conditions can lead to confusion and cause additional stress for the patient.

Waiting times

Respondents to our survey said that they faced long waits before and after their tests. This created frustrations for many patients, as they were unsure about whether their test would go ahead, and were left in the dark regarding their diagnosis and what it may mean for their future care.

“Realistic and improved waiting times. If you are told urgent then 7 months is not acceptable.”

“[There needs to be more] Clarity of when results are due back and where to view or collect them from.”

With increased demand for diagnostics testing, patients need to be kept informed about when they will be able to access tests in their area and how long they can expect to wait for their test results to come back.

Moving forward – get it right, make it safe

World Patient Safety Day emphasises the importance of patients being involved in the design and delivery of services. To truly get it right and make it safe, we must;

• Involve patients in the development of diagnostic policies and procedures
• Give patients better access to tests, with shorter waiting times
• Foster a culture of open communication and continuous improvement in healthcare settings

By addressing these challenges through genuine patient partnership we can create safer, more effective diagnostic services. This World Patient Safety Day, lets commit to making every diagnostic test count towards improved patient safety and better health outcomes for all.