Alan Deacon joins Lab Tests Online UK as new editor

IBMS Council Member Alan Deacon has joined Lab Tests Online UK as the new editor. Lab Tests Online-UK is a not-for-profit website written by laboratory medicine professionals to help patients and caregivers understand why tests are done and what the results mean. Alan is also the National Pathology Programme Lead at the NHS Wales Executive's National Pathology Programme and has 35 years of experience in both public and private healthcare sectors. 

We spoke to  Alan about his appointment. 

What interested you about the role?

My interest was piqued by the convergence of my passion for pathology and my commitment to improving health literacy and understanding of diagnostic tests. Experience throughout my career has shown that clear, evidence-based laboratory test information can reduce anxiety and dramatically enhance patient empowerment and clinical decision-making. The opportunity to work with Lab Tests Online – a resource which bridges sometimes complex medical information and everyday understanding – felt like a natural fit. 

What do you find most rewarding about the role so far?

The passion and commitment of my colleagues and the feeling that the work we do with Lab Tests Online makes a tangible difference, particularly for the patients who use our resource.

How do you envision tools like AI influencing the way patients engage with LTO-UK content?

There is no doubt that AI is an important and transformative technology which is ushering in a new era of personalised patient engagement. By harnessing AI, we can potentially tailor the content of our website to meet individual needs, answer specific queries more swiftly, and even predict what additional information a reader might find useful. This technology will transform traditionally static content into something more dynamic and interactive, making it easier for users to navigate complex medical information and empowering them to take a proactive role in their healthcare. As AI evolves, it will further democratise access to quality health information, ensuring that every reader finds exactly what they need.

What is your editorial vision for Lab Tests Online UK over the next few years?

My vision is to continue the great work of my predecessor in maintaining Lab Tests Online UK as the definitive and trusted resource of laboratory test information, both for patients and health professionals. We have an ambitious agenda going forward to update the website, which I believe will enhance our platform, making it even more accessible and also more engaging for a diverse audience. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of scientific and technical accuracy through our team of expert reviewers, whilst ensuring that the language we use remains clear and accessible for all our users.

What would you say to potential contributors considering joining the LTO-UK reviewer team?

Please come and join us! We are looking for biomedical scientists across all pathology disciplines who hold the IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma to contribute as reviewers of our articles and test information. Your expertise will be invaluable in maintaining the high standards of accuracy and clarity that those who access our website depend upon. As well as contributing to an important national resource, reviewing is a recognised CPD activity too.

Congratulations to Alan on his appointment. Visit Lab Tests Online-UK's website to find out more about their work and how to get involved.