What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess the potential for non-medically qualified clinicians to order chest X-rays for suspected lung cancer, enhancing patient access to diagnostic imaging.

March 29, 2026British Journal of General Practice0 citationsOpen Access

Enabling non-medically qualified registered clinicians in general practice to request chest X-ray for possible lung cancer

AWAndrew MN WalkerUniversity of Bradford BBB BhartiaLeeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust DLDimitri LotsLeeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Key Points

The aim is to assess the potential for non-medically qualified clinicians to order chest X-rays for suspected lung cancer, enhancing patient access to diagnostic imaging.
Review of existing NICE guidance concerning chest X-ray requests.
Analysis of bureaucratic barriers preventing current clinician practices.
Identification of relevant training needs under IR(ME)R regulations.
Increased access to chest X-rays for patients consulting non-medically qualified clinicians.
Identification of significant bureaucratic barriers hindering the process.
Highlighting the need for targeted training programs to comply with IR(ME)R standards.

Abstract

With more patients now consulting with non-GPs there is a strong rationale for enabling non-medically qualified (NMQ) clinicians to request CXR in accordance with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.However, wider uptake requires reducing bureaucratic barriers and provision of access to proportionate and relevant IR(ME)R training.

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