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Following receipt of representations from a range of NHS organisations - including Cancer Networks, the Ambulance Service Association and Ambulance Trusts - the Patient Information Advisory Group met to review its previous decision on clinical audit that is not supported by explicit patient consent.

PIAG is now content for their existing ruling to be interpreted more flexibly.  Therefore any clinical audit which involves the sharing of patient identifiable information would be acceptable providing that

1. the organisation has played a part in delivering care or treatment to that individual

2. the audit is carried out in accordance with clinical governance guidelines

3. that it has been approved by the medical director and Caldicott Guardian for the trust in question.

Further information about the ruling can be obtained from Sean Kirwan, Secretary to the Patient Information Advisory Group, by calling 0113 2545273 or by emailing