Randomised controlled trial of routine individual feedback to improve rationality and reduce numbers of test requests

Effect of a Controlled Feedback Intervention on Laboratory Test Ordering by Community Physicians

“…We have identified nine studies (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) that examined the effects of various interventions on laboratory utilization by physicians in the out-of-hospital outpatient setting. These community studies were very different from our own.…”

“…Two studies within the Harvard Community Health Plan were associated with a highly academic facility. The approach of the Winkens group is resource-intensive (17)(18)(19), and beyond the scope of most nonacademic communities.…”

The efficacy of an automated feedback system for general practitioners

“…Their test ordering behaviour is already largely in line with the guidelines. 14 Of the randomly selected 30 cases, some (on average two to three) cases were quite similar. This might have resulted in a learning effect during the session.…”

“…This system was developed to support or even replace the written feedback given by the Transmural Care Unit of the Maastricht University Hospital since 1985. 14 The objective of the experiment described in this paper was to assess the efficacy of an automated feedback system. Efficacy is defined as the percentage of decisions made that are in line with relevant practice guidelines.…”

How often do GPs use rapid computer access to laboratory results? A description of 18 months' use by 72 practices in Tayside

“…5 There is evidence that rapid access to those results is a costeffective means of improving the appropriateness of the requests for laboratory investigations. 6,7 The Grampian study of a guideline-based open access urological investigation service demonstrated improved patient waiting times when appropriate investigations were ordered and reviewed by GPs. 8 A systematic review by a group in Boston, USA showed that feedback of …”