The Overdiagnosis Group was established in 2013 within the RCGP as an online group. It has now grown to over 300 members concerned with overdiagnosis, overtreatment, constructively criticising evidence and guidelines, and debating how best to share evidence and uncertainty. These fellowships have grown out of the groups’ work and aim to formalise and embed the issues and concerns which have been highlighted over the last 5 years.
Aims of the project
The Values and Evidence project will develop relationships, operational partnerships and produce guidance and support resources for GPs and the wider primary care team. Activity will be undertaken via 3 core workplan areas:
- To position the RCGP as a strategic leader in preventing OD, forging partnerships and future work.
- To embed the over diagnosis principles within RCGP practice.
- Develop resources to support GPs and practice teams to understand, review and reduce overdiagnosis in practice.
Key outputs (Forthcoming work)
- Web based resources for GPs, patients carer and families, and citizens
- Peer reviewed publications in academic literature
- RCGP policy paper on non UK NSC screening
- Co-ordination with other UK and international organisations working in this area
- Embed OD principles in RCGP work
- Conference in 12-18 months
Clinical team
Dr Margaret McCartney
GP in Glasgow, RCGP nationally elected council member since 2013, and member of the RCGP ethics committee.
Dr Sam Finnikin
GP near Birmingham, Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and Midland Faculty Honorary Secretary (joint)