Some of the difficulties encountered at the commencement of the pre-test period communicated by GP practices included:
- Technical issues when installing colour laser printers, necessitating involvement from external practice IT support services.
- Varying versions of Excel programs, resulting in the abandonment of the electronic proforma. Two practices continued to use the electronic Excel version of the proforma.
- Staffing restraints at two participating GP practices - restricting timely completion of the pre-test.
Strategies implemented to overcome risk management:
- Change of the pathology proforma to pdf version
- Provide step by step instruction sheet for PN’s to triage potential participating patients
- Provide proforma consumer packs to two practices – including consent, pathology proforma, consumer survey & GP survey
- Regular telephone contact and practice visits