Welcome to the Demand Optimisation website

Demand Optimisation is defined as the process by which diagnostic test use is optimised to maximise appropriate testing, which in turn optimises clinical care and drives more efficient use of a scarce resource.

It had been recognised for many years that there was considerable variation in the use of diagnostic tests across the NHS. While some of this variation could be explained by clinical circumstances and demographic differences, there was still considerable levels of inappropriate requesting by clinicians, practises of over-requesting, under-requesting etc. In addition, the lack of availability of certain tests across the NHS Boards may also limit their optimal universal utility.

The process needed to consider:

*  Minimising over-requesting and under-requesting, both of which can be damaging to optimal patient care.
*  Reducing unnecessary repeat requesting.
*  Ensuring appropriate and useful test repertoires were universally available across all healthcare outlets.
*  Standardisation to reduce unnecessary variation - especially around IT definitions and clinical pathways that utilise diagnostic tests.

In 2016, Scottish Government set up the National Demand Optimisation Group (NDOG). This multidisciplinary group brought together individuals from the main diagnostic disciplines within Laboratory Services and Radiology, along with support from Scottish Government, NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) and the National Managed Diagnostic Networks (NMDNs).

The NDOG formulated a numbers of Aims.