Reducing inappropriate testing in the diagnosis of the menopause and peri-menopause

Abstract

The menopause should be diagnosed based on age, menstrual history and clinical symptoms, and as such, follicle stimulating hormone testing may be considered inappropriate when diagnosing the menopause or peri-menopause in women aged 45 and over. As part of a demand optimisation programme, the number of follicle stimulating hormone tests requested to diagnose the menopause in this age group was quantified and educational interventions were implemented to reduce inappropriate testing. The number of follicle stimulating hormone tests requested to diagnose the menopause in women aged 45 and over was successfully and sustainably reduced.

Diagnosis of the menopause: NICE guidance and quality standards

“…Educational interventions with referring clinicians were shown to reduce inappropriate FSH tests by over 50% in Dumfries and Galloway. 9 A local laboratory liaison group provides a good forum to promote changes in practice. A costing analysis (based on 2014 Oxfordshire data) indicates that savings of £16,500 could be made for a population of 100,000; 10 a costing template is available from the NICE website for organizations to estimate the local financial impact.…”