In November 2024, a groundbreaking new pathology auto-review function was introduced across Calderdale, marking a significant step forward in digital healthcare transformation. This innovative system enables the automatic filing of lab reports to patient records based on predefined rules, significantly reducing administrative workload and improving efficiency.
Piloting the Auto-Review Function
Matt Davies, PGPA’s Digital Transformation Lead, recognised the need to ensure the tool’s safety and effectiveness before widespread implementation. To achieve this, a pilot was launched in collaboration with one practice in Calderdale. The primary objective was to test the system’s functionality and refine the rules governing the auto-review process.
The first step was to create rules for the most frequent lab tests in partnership with clinical leads. These rules were designed in alignment with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) laboratory standards and NICE guidelines. Key considerations included setting appropriate ‘normal’ ranges, incorporating exclusions for vulnerable patients, and adjusting parameters based on gender and age. An auditing process was also implemented to detect and correct any errors in classification, refining the system to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
By February 2025, the pilot had successfully established rules covering 86% of all normal test results received. This automation translated into significant time savings for clinicians, while the remaining 14% of tests remained manually reviewed due to their complexity, patient-specific targets, or technical constraints.
Scaling Up: Expanding Across Calderdale
Following the success of the pilot, the auto-review function was progressively rolled out to five additional practices in Calderdale. By the end of February, the impact was already evident, with 2,127 blood tests automatically reviewed. This resulted in estimated time savings of 18 to 35 hours for clinicians, based on a conservative calculation of 30 seconds to one minute per test.
As part of the rollout, Matt continued to oversee the testing and auditing process to ensure that rules were being applied correctly across all participating practices. This process involved refining the 40 rules developed during the pilot phase and making adjustments where necessary to maintain accuracy and patient safety. Regular updates with CHFT laboratories and the ICB helped ensure a smooth transition and allowed for continuous monitoring of the system’s impact.
One clinician who has benefited from the system highlighted its impact, stating, “It is pretty heart-rending to see 30-40 results in [the inbox] and the auto-review tool reduces that – so it makes you feel better which is important if you are rushing to get everything done, and it improves effectiveness and efficiency in other areas.”
Extrapolating these benefits over a year, the projected savings for the six participating practices equate to approximately 11 weeks of clinician time. This translates into financial savings of between £9,600 and £19,200. If all Calderdale practices were to adopt the system, the potential savings could rise to an impressive £30,000 to £60,000 per year.
The Future of Pathology Auto-Review in Calderdale
The introduction of this pathology auto-review function represents a significant digital advancement in healthcare for Calderdale. By reducing the administrative burden on clinicians, the system allows more time for direct patient care, enhancing efficiency across multiple practices.
Looking ahead, the potential for broader implementation remains strong. With further refinements and wider adoption, the benefits—both in terms of clinician time and financial savings—could be even greater. The successful pilot and phased rollout demonstrate the power of digital transformation in modern healthcare, paving the way for further innovations in Calderdale and beyond.