Chair: Dr Neil Greig, Consultant Clinical Biochemist (NHS Tayside)
As part of the National Demand Optimisation work stream, all networks are being asked to contribute to a national Atlas of Variation for lab requesting. The prototype for this was built on the biochemistry tests and this has now been ex-tended to include 23 biochemistry tests and all NHS boards were requested to provide their requesting data for these tests for the previous 12 months. The deadline for this has now passed and the new version of the Atlas is in development. Access to the dashboards will be granted to members of the steering group over the next few months and feedback would be welcomed. If you were unable to provide your data on time but are now able to take part please contact nss.imsrequests@nhs.scot.
The Data work stream identified some key benchmarking questions that have been issued to all NHS boards for completion. Following collation and analysis of this, the data work stream are working with the Information Management Service to create a national benchmarking report on biochemistry in Scotland, along with individual reports for every health board. This is scheduled to be presented at the November steering group meeting.