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Do nudge letters to GPs work?

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Description

Issuing targeted feedback to GPs who are the country’s highest pathology requestors was found to have a ‘substantial’ impact – despite not all doctors taking kindly to the approach.

Subject

Reducing low value care

General practice

Pathology testing

Period21 May 2026

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleDo nudge letters to GPs work?
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletNewsGP
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date21/05/26
    DescriptionIssuing targeted feedback to GPs who are the country’s highest pathology requestors was found to have a ‘substantial’ impact – despite not all doctors taking kindly to the approach....
    Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care Professor Mark Morgan said this research demonstrates there is some benefit in providing targeted audits and feedback to reduce wasteful pathology testing, ‘but no discernible benefit of complicating the information with additional features’.

    He added the RACGP’s First Do No Harm resources have information for GPs and patients about when to consider vitamin D testing and when not to.

    ‘Similarly, there is a resource aimed at reducing harms from inappropriate management of subclinical hypothyroidism,’ Professor Morgan said.
    Producer/AuthorKaren Burge
    URLhttps://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/do-nudge-letters-to-gps-work?utm_source=racgpnewsgpnewsletter&utm_campaign=newsgpedm&utm_medium=email
    PersonsMark Morgan