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A six-month audit on the implementation of Group A Streptococcus PCR test in NHS Lothian
Safe People
Organisation name
NHS Lothian
Applicant name(s)
Azul Zorzoli
Funders/ Sponsors
N/A
Safe Projects
Project ID
DL_2023_053
Lay summary
The Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria that causes skin and respiratory tract infections. Invasive GAS infection occurs when the bacteria invades part of the body where it is not usually found, like the blood, lungs, deep muscle and fat tissue. The infections are diagnosed by growing the bacteria in the laboratory. This process can take several days and is affected by the prescription of antibiotics to the patient. In January 2023, NHS Lothian introduced a PCR test to improve the diagnosis of patients with invasive GAS. Using the DataLoch curated databases, we aim at investigating the impact of this new test in patient's health by comparing with the traditional testing pathway.
Public benefit statement
The project is needed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the GAS (Group A Streptococcus) PCR test, specifically in patient admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The benefits for patients and the wider public include a) better outcomes for those with symptoms indicative of GAS infection, b) improved infection control and public health measures, such as contact management (patient pathways) and c) refined rapid dianostic patient pathway. All data will be processed in compliance with NHS Lothian. The project will assess the results from patients admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from January 2023 to January 2024 that had positive PCR. Eventually, the findings of this audit may benefit patients exhibiting symptoms of GAS infection. A project chater was presented to NHS Lothian's Bacteriology and Mycology Quality Improvement Team (BMQIT); consultant microbiologists and clinical scientists defined the project's data collection and analysis, including the evaluation of potential benefits of the GAS PCR test on patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Potential benefits for the NHS could include direct benefits such as improved patient outcomes and more effective infection control, as well as potential financial benefits through optimising resource allocation, including antimicrobials, investigations, staff time, and laboratory resources. However, the exact economic impact needs to be quantified in the provided information.
Request category type
Health Services & Delivery
Other approval committees
Latest approval date
01/04/2024
Safe Data
Dataset(s) name
Researcher-sourced data
Data sensitivity level
De-Personalised
Safe Setting
Access type
TRE