IMPROVEMENT IN THE PATTERN OF ADVICE OF INVESTIGATIONS FOLLOWING RATIONALIZATION CAMPAIGN

Abstract

Objective: To assess the magnitude of change in advising pattern of laboratory and radiological investigations during and after campaign emphasizing rational use of these tests.
Study design: Comparative cross sectional study.
Place and Duration: Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, Twenty seven months.
Patients and Methods The laboratory investigation analysis were Blood Glucose, Thyroid Function Tests, Liver Function Tests (LFT), Renal Function Tests (RFT) and Cardiac Markers and radiological tests were X-Rays Chest, Skull, Wrist and Plain Abdomen, Obstetric Ultra Sound (USG) and CT Scan. The awareness was done by Lectures, handouts, feedback advice on test reports and personal communications to the Medical Officers, Nursing Officers and Paramedical Staff. The data was analyzed through Quarterly Returns, records of laboratory and radiology retrieved from Hospital Information System and departmental registers.
Results: In some laboratory investigations there was a significant improvement in the advisory pattern e.g. blood glucose fasting instead of random, ALT instead of whole LFT, electrolytes not included in every RFT and abolishing of AST and LDH from cardiac marker profile and TSH only as screening test. In Radiology there was improvement in the rationality of X-Ray chest, X-Ray skull, X-Rays wrist and obstetric USG. CT scan data could not be compared because CT Scan equipment became out of order during the study. There was also reduction in expenses incurred on irrational investigations.
Conclusion: A dynamic ongoing process of awareness and realization campaign for medical professionals is required in any public sector medical institute for cultivating a culture of rational use of investigations.