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Copying letters to patients: a report to the Department of Health and draft good practice guidelines for consultation
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Document type:Publication
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Author:Department of Health
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Published date:18 April 2002
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Primary audience:Professionals
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Gateway reference:2002
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Pages:51
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Copyright holder:Crown Copyright
The Government's intention to improve communication between patients and health professionals is part of enabling the patient to participate in their own care. This Working Group report contains draft guidelines for the service (Part 1) and recommendations on policy implementation (Part 2).
The key recommendations confirm that the patient should, if they so wish, receive a copy of letters written about them between health professionals with the writer being responsible for ensuring that the copy is provided according to the previously determined wishes of the patient. Exceptions are stated.
This initiative needs to be considered with other named initiatives and the need for a funded pilot scheme is emphasized.
Attention is drawn to good practice in the issues of data protection, security and confidentiality.
Appendices A-F contain the principles, legal framework and examples. Appendix D summarises the research and cites numerous references. Cites 34 other references.
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