Clinical Scorecard: UK Diagnostics Backlog Crisis

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Nearly 2 million patients waiting for tests, projected to exceed 2 million by 2027.
• 83% increase in waiting patients compared to pre-pandemic levels.
• Median waiting times increased by 56% since before the pandemic.
• 30% of patients in the East of England waiting longer than six weeks for a test.
• Workforce shortages significantly contribute to delays in diagnostic services.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Redesign diagnostics as connected pathways rather than isolated services.
• Improve interoperability and data sharing.

Management

• Expand reporting and specialist workforce capacity.
• Introduce diagnostics earlier in patient pathways.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Align funding with whole-pathway care.
• Improve the quality of referrals.

Risks

• Missed cancer diagnostic targets in areas with longer waits.
• Poor performance in specialties including cardiology, gastroenterology, and ENT services.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients in England awaiting diagnostic tests.

An additional 90,000 tests per month needed to clear the backlog above pre-pandemic levels.

Clinical Best Practices

• Improve communication with patients.
• Make better use of community diagnostic centers.

Related Resources & Content

• Strengthening the Backbone: Reimagining NHS Diagnostics in England