By early 2026, GPs are to be given extended access to directly refer patients for imaging procedures as required by NHS England. Beyond plain film, x-rays and ultrasound, GPs will also be able to access, as a minimum, CT thorax, abdomen & pelvis and MRI brain scans.
To deliver this safely, we are being supported by the Greater Manchester Imaging Network to introduce a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) software from xWave Technologies – the CDS, which incorporates the Royal College of Radiologist’s iRefer guidelines, works directly with our existing radiology order comms and will guide GPs to identify the best test for their patient’s presenting symptoms.
For those who support the vetting processes, once the CDS is configured you will begin to see additional information coming from GPs which will include:
· the indication selected by the GP to justify the referral
· the iRefer recommended imaging procedure
· the score of the procedure selected by the GP (where this differs from the iRefer recommended procedure)
· whether the GP’s selected procedure was indicated or not.
The introduction of the CDS is intended to reduce overall activity by removing unnecessary imaging procedures.
Further information will be provided as we move through the roll out and approach go live.
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