INTRODUCTION
Endocrine dynamic tests are essential for diagnosing various endocrine disorders. In endocrinology, the foundation of diagnosis involves demonstrating hormone dysfunction through biochemical tests, followed by imaging. These dynamic tests are also crucial for follow-up and management, as they help assess treatment response (Goyal et al. 2019). However, with advancements in laboratory methods that are more sensitive, accurate, and rapid, the use of some dynamic tests has decreased over time.
AIM
Our objective is to establish a comprehensive registry of endocrine dynamic tests, facilitating future research initiatives for both the nursing and medical teams within the department. This registry will serve as a valuable resource for data collection, trend analysis, and clinical evaluations, contributing to ongoing advancements in patient care and endocrinology research. Additionally, it will support the optimisation of workflow processes and provide a structured approach to estimating the time investment of junior doctors involved in conducting these tests, thereby enhancing efficiency and resource allocation within the department.
METHOD
This study presents a retrospective analysis of data extracted by the Service 1 Business and activity analyst team via Webpas. It includes all patients who attended the Day Medical Procedure Unit at FSH for Endocrine Dynamic Tests between January 2020 and December 2024. Each patient’s Digital Medical Record (DMR) was reviewed to confirm that the scheduled Dynamic Tests were conducted as planned.
RESULTS
• The Short Synacthen Test is the most frequently performed endocrine dynamic test at the FSH Day Medical Unit.
• The Seated Saline Suppression Test ranks as the second most common endocrine test conducted at FSH DMP.
• The overall number of dynamic tests has been steadily increasing.
• The monthly count of tests is variable.
CONCLUSION
Regular clinical audits are integral to driving continuous improvement in service delivery and implementing evidence-based modifications to enhance operational efficiency.