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Access to diagnostics by AHPs
Access to Diagnostics by AHPs. Two key areas were identified that would contribute to improved patient pathways and would support & underpin modernisation of working, direct access to X-ray and diagnostic tests and the ability to refer to other health professionals or discharge. Traditional working systems meant that AHPs would request prescriptions via the GP for a variety of non-prescription & prescription dressing and medicines. This could create up to 7 days delay before the patient received the items and indirectly this contributes to delayed recovery. Proposals for direct provision of non-prescription only medicines and dressing by PCT AHP’s to patients were developed & approved by PEC in May 2004. These had the aim of maximising AHP knowledge & skills, improving patient experiences and contributing to achieving GP access times by reducing requests for prescriptions. Working within the restrictions of current prescribing regulations the AHPs will be able to issue items direct to the patient with the costs attributed to the prescribing budget. The podiatry service is a pilot for the total dressing solution project and medicines management team are supporting the development of appropriate protocols and PGD’s. Implementation is steady as there are no national examples of this approach to draw upon; this is an innovative development for the PCT. Another area of traditional practice where all requests went via the GP is access to a whole range of diagnostic tests and requests for X-rays. Direct access has made a significant impact on all services but especially the orthopaedic triage team & podiatric diabetes team. |
