This project aims to make NHS pathology services (such as blood tests) safer and more efficient. Research suggests that around one in four NHS pathology tests may be unnecessary, which can waste resources and sometimes delay care.

Working within the Digital Patient Safety Laboratory, the project will develop new digital tools to improve how test data are used. Starting at University College London Hospitals, the methods will be designed so they can be rolled out across the NHS.

The project will focus on two key areas:

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• Reducing diagnostic errors and delays: The system will check whether the right blood tests are ordered at the right time, highlight if important follow-up tests are missed, and use clinical guidelines to recommend when tests should be repeated.

• Medication safety: For drugs that need close monitoring (such as blood thinners, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants), the tool will help ensure patients receive the right tests to detect side effects or harm early.

The system will analyse national test use patterns, compare them against guidelines, and identify areas for improvement.

By developing safer ways to use health data and applying responsible AI, this project supports NHS and NIHR priorities to improve patient safety and help clinicians make better decisions.

Lead Investigator

Steve Harris