Almost two thirds of patients (60%) would be prepared to pay for tests they need.
This is according to the Patients Association’s Patient Experience of Diagnostics Report which surveyed 1,177 patients and also found more than nine out 10 (91%) wanted investment in diagnostics and new technology to be prioritised.
And more than three in four patients (77%) would be happy to test themselves at home, four out of five (82%) wanted more discussion of testing options when being referred and around nine out of ten (88%) wanted a realistic timeline for receiving results.
A third (36%) reported their physical health declined while waiting for tests and a similar number (34%) said their mental health declined while waiting for tests.
But the report also indicated patients wanted a more patient-centred approach throughout the testing process.
Three-quarters (73%) of respondents wanted better understanding of why they were being sent for a test and what it will involve, more than four in five (82%) want more discussion about the different types of tests they could be referred for and 88% wanted an improved explanation of what results meant for their treatment.
The findings revealed frustrations among survey participants had real consequences. While more than a third (34%) reported physical or mental health declines while waiting for tests, delays also negatively affected work, family, and long-term recovery for many patients.
Respondents also appeared to give their backing to solutions tacking problems of access. In addition to calling for investment in capacity and technology, nearly four out of five (78%) would be willing to travel outside their local area for tests if it meant faster access.
More than three in four (77%) would be happy to test themselves at home; 44% said they would be willing to test themselves in a clinical setting.
Recommendations
Consequently, the report makes a number of recommendations.
These include:
- Expanding community diagnostic hubs by removing NHS estate restrictions and expanding tests offered
- Increasing transparency on waiting times through better use of data held by the NHS
- Supporting appropriate expansion of at-home testing options where considered clinically safe and effective
- Improving communication with patients throughout the testing process. This includes explaining the reason for tests, available options, timelines for results, and what results mean
- Ensuring political commitments to improve diagnostics access from all parties in upcoming election manifestos
- Reviewing NHS Constitution pledges on waiting times based on patient experiences
More private health sector can do
Danielle Henry, assistant director of policy and programmes at the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said: “This report highlights the concern that many NHS patients have about prolonged delays for diagnostic procedures.
“The findings are consistent with our own research, Going Private, which shows a growing demand for private primary care and diagnostic procedures particularly, often driven by patients who want to be seen more quickly than current NHS waiting lists allow.
“The independent sector is already a vital partner in the diagnostics field. Independent healthcare delivers an estimated 3.5 million procedures each year, working alongside NHS partners, as well as privately.
“However, in terms of supporting the NHS, there is more that the sector could do, using the efficient and productive models independent providers already operate.
“Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are a good example of where the sector is perfectly placed to provide additional capacity in the system.
“The private sector is prepared and ready to invest private capital, to foot the bill of building CDCs and kitting them out, and then run them, either independently or in partnership with the NHS.
“So far, relatively few independent sector-led CDCs have actually been delivered. Hopefully we’ll see that start to change for the benefit of more patients.”