S2-E17.3 -- The value of ultrasound and the goals of patient screenin

Send us Fan MailIan Rowe presents more findings from his work in Leeds, revealing paradoxes and complexity in the patient screening process. This conversations starts by questioning the incremental value of ultrasound in the diagnostic process and proceeds to consider the goals of screening and two specific challenges.This conversation focuses on how to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed, starting with the question of how often ultrasound contributes to a more robust diagnosis than a provider would come to without it. From there, the conversation shifts to two critical issues: how should we consider test development and use given how often testing produces indeterminate results, and are we considering the value of a test not only in terms of screening but also imparting information that motivates patients to manage themselves better. Louise closes this conversation with an impassioned way to use tests to educate patients and, at the same time, ensure that the system gets the right patient to the hepatologist and the right treatment to patients who might need to get there.