In a systematic review published in Journal of general internal medicine, Nineteen studies were included in the review and reported wide variation in the extent of tests not followed-up: 6.8% to 62% for laboratory tests; 1.0% to 35.7% for radiology. The impact on patient outcomes included missed cancer diagnoses. Failure to follow-up test results is an important safety concern which requires urgent attention. These are US based studies. Problem in countries like ours probably will be manifold. I feel probably technology will play increasing role in minimising this in future.
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