Reducing Diagnostic Duplication
with Orbis EPR
Why Diagnostic Duplication Still Burdens the NHS
In a system already stretched to its limits, the NHS cannot afford unnecessary repetition. And yet, every day, thousands of diagnostic tests are duplicated — not for medical necessity, but due to a lack of visibility, fragmented records, and outdated processes.
Redundant testing is not just a clinical inefficiency. It’s a silent drain on NHS resources, patient time, and workforce productivity.
But what if the solution didn’t require more people or more funding — just smarter workflows?
A hidden cost with very real consequences
Behind every repeated blood draw or unnecessary scan is a patient discomforted, a lab overloaded, and a clinician deprived of valuable time.
Studies suggest that up to 67% of diagnostic tests may be unnecessary or poorly timed, with most duplication errors occurring before the test even reaches the lab — during the request.
These are not isolated incidents. They are systemic.
The problem is rooted in the pre-analytical phase, where paper forms, disjointed systems, and lack of test order visibility prevent clinicians from making fully informed decisions.
Orbis EPR: A digital fix to a costly analogue problem
A newly released white paper explores how digital requesting within Orbis EPR can radically reduce diagnostic duplication by embedding clinical intelligence directly into the ordering process — without disrupting clinical flow.
Key features include:
- Real-time visibility of previous test orders and results — directly within the ordering interface.
- Context-aware alerts that warn clinicians when tests are ordered too soon after a previous request.
- Embedded clinical decision support aligned with NHS guidelines, helping clinicians order only what’s appropriate — and when.
This isn’t just digitisation. It’s intelligent clinical enablement.
The full white paper outlines real-world examples of these mechanisms in action — including up to 47% reduction in unnecessary tests.
What’s at stake: cost, efficiency, and patient safety
The financial and clinical implications are considerable. By reducing duplication at the source, Trusts can:
- Save on materials, lab time, and administrative processing
- Improve workflow efficiency and reduce cognitive load
- Protect patients from repeat procedures and potential false positives
- Free up clinical and lab capacity for truly necessary interventions
All while supporting a safer, data-driven NHS.
The paper includes detailed evidence, modelling and references — showing how digital requesting reduces both waste and clinical risk.
Making it work: more than just a tool
Successful implementation of Orbis EPR’s digital requesting isn’t just about technology. It requires:
- Clinical engagement from day one
- Redesigned workflows that align with SOPs
- Executive support and interdepartmental collaboration
The white paper provides a roadmap — including enablers, governance tips, and future-facing innovations like AI-based recommendations and interoperability with NHS App and Shared Care Records.
This is digital transformation done right: practical, scalable, and deeply aligned with NHS strategic goals.
Don’t just digitise — de-risk
Diagnostic test duplication is not inevitable. It’s preventable.
And with tools like Orbis, NHS Trusts have a clear path to do just that.
But to make informed decisions — and build the business case — you need the full picture.
What’s inside the full white paper
Explore:
- The hidden vulnerabilities in the Total Testing Process
- How Orbis EPR addresses duplication at the pre-analytical stage
- NHS-aligned evidence supporting digital requesting
- The organisational enablers for large-scale success
- Future innovations in AI, interoperability and mobile access