Testing, Testing 1,2,3 - an exciting new Medcast project

How often do you check off your patient results and wonder ‘Why did I order that test? And how on earth do I interpret this result?’

Pathology testing plays an essential role in the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring for disease in primary care. For many reasons, the use of pathology tests is increasing both in Australia and internationally. And, while much of this increase is appropriate, a growing body of evidence suggests that non-rational testing (or over-testing) is a significant problem.

Medcast is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant from The Department of Health and Aged Care Quality Use of Pathology Program (QUPP). This is a national grant program for quality pathology initiatives that aims to improve health and economic outcomes from the use of pathology in health care.

The Medcast project is called ‘Testing, testing 1, 2, 3’ – Rational pathology ordering in general practice’. The project is a multimedia educational program designed to support GPs to use pathology tests more effectively, and reduce the harms of non-rational test ordering.

The course will educate GPs on: the range of influences on test ordering behaviour; reinforce the potential costs, adverse effects and harms of inappropriate test ordering; and support GPs to apply strategies for rational use of investigations in clinical practice.

The course creator Dr Simon Morgan says “We do not set out to tell GPs what to do. General practice is a challenging and complex discipline, and there are multiple factors that influence whether pathology testing is appropriate. The decision to test is between a GP and the patient. We simply aim to give GPs additional knowledge and skills to support the rational use of pathology tests in the day-to-day care of patients.”

Being awarded this QUPP grant is a fantastic acknowledgement of Medcast’s expertise in health education, reputation for designing and delivering high-quality education and capacity to disseminate programs nationally to a large audience of general practitioners.

As with all Medcast courses, ‘Testing testing 1,2,3’ is highly interactive, case-based and written for GPs by GPs. The program includes case studies, webinars, podcasts and practice based activities and is accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.

The online learning component of the Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3 program is available now, with more activities to come in 2023. Click here to read more and enrol.