B3 - Updates

Following a pilot in 2020 between the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Newcastle RCI, further pilots were rolled out in 2023 across Path Links Pathology Network supported by RCI Barnsley; and East and Southeast London Pathology Partnership supported by RCI Tooting.  

A retrospective review of reference referrals for these pilot sites was undertaken to identify at which point a sample would have been referred if using RCI Assist, and the number of potential ‘dry’ referrals was calculated. The review identified 14% of reference referrals could potentially be concluded remotely. Prospective data was captured during the pilot.

Results

Of the referrals analysed during the pilot, 5% ‘dry’ referrals were received from the pilot sites, versus 14% expected. The same data was reviewed for a control group of non-pilot sites, and showed no reduction in the number of referrals where the tool was not being used. 

The aim of the pilot was to improve HTL staff confidence by providing reassurance about investigations. Qualitative data showed staff felt more confident when using RCI Assist, and, alongside greater consciousness of referrals, is the reason for the reduction, negating the need for remote interpretation.