A rapid evidence map of what evidence is available on the effectiveness of community diagnostic centres

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased demand and delays to diagnostic services. Community diagnostic centres (which are generally referred to as Regional Diagnostic Hubs in Wales) aim to reduce this backlog and the waiting times for patients by providing a broad range of elective diagnostic services in the community, away from acute hospital facilities. As diagnostic services account for over 85% of clinical pathways and cost the NHS over £6 billion a year (NHS 2022), community diagnostic centres across a broader range of diagnostic services may be an effective, efficient, and cost-effective introduction to the UK health sector.

This Rapid Evidence Map aimed to identify, describe and map the available evidence on the effectiveness of diagnostic centres.

Read the full report.