Overdiagnosis group

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Group aim

The RCGP Overdiagnosis Group brings together GPs, trainees, specialists, healthcare professionals, students, and members of the public who are interested in understanding, discussing, and reducing overdiagnosis in general practice. Formed in 2014, the group provides an open forum for critical thinking, ethical reflection, and shared learning around diagnosis, testing, treatment, and evidence-based practice.

About the group

  • The group operates as an informal Google email group with over 300 members from the UK and internationally.
  • Contributions are welcomed and the group values open-minded, respectful, and intellectually curious engagement.
  • All members must make a public declaration of interests. Non-doctors may declare via Who Pays This Doctor.
  • Topics may include overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, optimal diagnosis, shared decision making, risk, evidence quality, medicalisation, and conflicts of interest.

Current work

The group’s work evolves through member-led discussions and subgroups. Recent and ongoing areas include:

  • Optimal testing – exploring how tests are used and interpreted in general practice.
  • Diagnosis and management of insect bites – reviewing usual practice and variation.
  • Values and Evidence Fellowship – reflecting the group’s focus on risk, shared decision making, evidence quality, and the drivers of testing and treatment.

The group also engages with national and international initiatives, including:

  • Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference – an annual global event.
  • POSSUM Conference (UK) – focusing on shared decision making, evidence-based medicine, and legal aspects of guidelines.

Join the Overdiagnosis Group

If you would like to join the group or learn more, please complete the online form: RCGP Standing Group on Overdiagnosis – Join Us.

Participation is open to members with an interest in the topic.

Disclaimer

While the content of this page is reviewed and updated on a regular basis, we do not control or accept any responsibility for any linked resources on third-party websites or for any liability arising from their use. Any inclusion in this page does not necessarily imply RCGP endorsement. Access to and use of content including clinical guidelines on any third-party website is carried out solely at your own risk.