Diagnostic testing in outpatient settings increases

New technologies are smaller, simpler and quicker to use, becoming cheaper over time. More diagnostic testing takes place in primary care and in the community, away from the hospital setting. Routine testing, e.g. breath tests for the bacterium helicobacter pylori, are implemented in outpatient pharmacy settings nationwide, allowing treatment to be instigated within 24 hours of diagnosis. Specialist centres develop to accommodate large analysers for more complex diagnostics. Efficiency gains and the smarter management of patients arise as a result.

Proposed workforce impact

• Increased demand for community pharmacists.
• Pharmacists' scope of practice expands to include more diagnostic and treatment responsibilities.
• Increase in collaborative working between pharmacists and healthcare scientists.

Sources or references

• http://www.pppmag.com/article/1143/June_2012/Rapid_ Diagnostic_Testing_in_the_Outpatient_Pharmacy/
• http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2012/05/22/bmjqs -2011-000541.abstract

Additional research questions

• To what extent will funding restrictions impact the implementation of diagnostic equipment in the community?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.