The Pathology Bounded Code List (PBCL) is a restricted list of Read codes that was created to support the Pathology Messaging Implementation Project (PMIP Wikipedia Entry<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathology_Messaging_Implementation_Project> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathology_Messaging_Implementation_Project) which runs the messaging service carrying 50m reports per year from all NHS Labs to GPs in England and Wales. This list is critical in maintaining data standardisation across the NHS pathology reporting service. However the technology is now 15 years old and in need of a refresh, partly because the systems in use are getting more sophisticated, partly because the PBCL is being used for tests for which is was never really designed and partly because some specialities have not been well served by the current message systems (e.g. microbiology , genetics).
The purpose of this revision is to:
* Remove tests that are no longer performed
* Remove duplicate entries
* Ascribe a standard unit of measurement (UoM) where appropriate (including Harmony guidance)
* Ascribe a Data Combination Indicator (DCI) to show when it is safe to assume data from different laboratories can be combined to show trends in a patient’s condition (Background White Paper<http://129.11.128.141/pmipunits/Portals/0/Docs/PathReportingIssues_WhitePaper_v2.pdf> http://129.11.128.141/pmipunits/Portals/0/Docs/PathReportingIssues_WhitePaper_v2.pdf)
The new additions to the tables on the PMIP website are the first of a series showing full analyte name(where appropriate using the Editorial Principles for the emerging NLMC, UoM and DCI together with the PBCL name and V2 Read code.
The Pathology Catalogue Team in the College, that is overseeing this work, is keen to receive any comments on the revision and suggestions for any additional items considered essential for pathology reports to GP that are not currently included.
The complete dataset is visible on the PBCL Items<http://129.11.128.141/pmipunits/PBCLItems.aspx> page where comments can also be posted or e-mail to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Kindly send your comments by Nov 30 in order that all necessary changes can be made for the April TRUD release.
|