Urea breath tests have previously been performed in this department on an individual basis. As demand increased breath tests were conducted with groups of patients to achieve more efficient use of the technologist’s time. Each group consisted of up to four individuals of the same sex. The appointment letter informed patients that their test would be performed in a group and to contact us if they would prefer to have an individual appointment. During the length of this study, 4 patients telephoned to request an exclusive appointment. Patient privacy was maintained throughout.
A questionnaire was devised to assess the response of patients to this revised procedure. Of the 56 patients who responded, 33 (59%) were male and 23 (41%) were female. One (1.8%) patient reported feeling uncomfortable in the group as her age was significantly different than the other members. There were no complaints that appointment times were delayed whilst waiting for other patients to arrive. 21 (38%) respondents wore dentures and 5 (24%) of these felt embarrassed about removing them. Only 1 (1.8%) patient would have preferred an individual appointment.
The majority of respondents were unconcerned about undergoing a urea breath test in conjunction with other patients. This revised procedure has enabled an increase in patient throughput of approximately 40%.
Stephenson LM, Mackie A, McCauley E. Performing Urea Breath Tests in Groups: Patient Satisfaction Survey. Nuc Med Commun 2001; 22 (3): 347A Oral presentation at the British Nuclear Medicine Society, Southampton, October 2000.
Dr. Alison Mackie, Durham Unit, Durham. Tel: +44 (0)191-333-2219.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BE, UK.
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