Clinicians should be wary of a ‘one size fits all’ approach to communicating blood test results in primary care

25 February 2025

Online access to test results is generally well accepted by patients, but reliance on electronic communication methods alone is not sufficient to meet the needs of different patients and different types of test result, according to University of Bristol led research published in the British Journal of General Practice today [25 February].

The research, a mixed-methods systematic review, looked at 71 studies published between 2013 and 2023 on how blood test results are communicated between doctors and patients in primary care, using both quantitative and qualitative research. The goal was to understand how test results are communicated, what methods are most effective, and the preferences of both patients and clinicians.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study found that patients want to be better informed about their blood test results, particularly in terms of what actions they need to take next. They prefer results to be communicated quickly and clearly, and many feel that using electronic methods, such as online access or text messages, is an effective way of receiving information - though not all agreed.

While online access is a key tool in improving communication, the study highlights the need for a variety of communication methods to meet the diverse needs of patients. For example, some patients - especially those who are older, less tech-savvy, or face barriers to accessing online services - may require face-to-face consultations, phone calls, or text messages.

In England, since November 2023, patients have had access to their full primary care records online through the NHS App. Despite the growing trend toward digital communication, clinicians were divided on whether directly releasing test results online is helpful, expressing concerns about patient anxiety and potential increases in workload.

The study also highlights the importance of patient-friendly language. When blood test results are delivered patients need more than just the numbers, they need clear explanations of what the results mean and what actions, if any, they need to take. Clinicians should ensure they provide this guidance in simple, understandable terms.

The research also points to the need for clear protocols in place to handle abnormal or urgent test results. Ensuring that these results are communicated effectively and promptly is crucial for patient safety.

Dr Jessica Watson, a GP and NIHR Clinical Lecturer in General Practice at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care who supervised the study, said: “As the NHS continues to increase patient online access to their medical information, this review underscores the importance of balancing digital and traditional communication methods to meet the diverse needs of patients. Further research is needed to identify the most effective strategies for delivering blood test results that support patient-centred care, minimise anxiety, and reduce the burden on primary care.

“For now, the message is clear, while online access is a step forward, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and a more nuanced approach may be necessary to ensure that all patients receive the care and information they need.”

Paper: Communicating blood test results in primary care: a mixed methods systematic review. Helen Nankervis et al. Published in British Journal of General Practice. 25 February 2025.

See also: Found poem gives voice to patients’ experiences of blood tests.

Further information

About the Centre for Academic Primary Care

The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol is a leading centre for primary care research in the UK, one of ten forming the NIHR School for Primary Care Research. It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching. Follow on Bluesky: @capcbristol.bsky.social and LinkedIn.

About the NIHR

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;
Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;
Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;
Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;
Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;
Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.