Sensitive Results Policy

Code:POL 5

Date: 18/06/2014

Purpose:

To provide guidance around the complex area of the revelation of sensitive test results.

To ensure consistency amongst staff discussing results.

To minimise as far as possible the distress of clients receiving complex life-changing or sensitive test results.

Responsible Staff:

Implementation: All Staff

Action: All Staff

Audit: None.

Audit:

There is no audit cycle for this policy

Training Resources:

Linked Policies:

Enabling Resources:

Policy:

Whilst all test results are confidential, certain test results, should not generally be imparted other than at consultation.

This may be for one of several reasons including:

• A complex result requiring significant discussion (eg: abnormal liver function tests)

• A life-changing illness (eg: diabetes, cancer or HIV infection)

• The client has limited capacity.

• The client may suffer unduly for other reasons.

Wherever it is likely that it will be inappropriate to discuss results other than in person, it is best to advise the client of this before the test is obtained, as part of the informed consent process.

If an unexpected result is obtained, either:

• Ask the practice nurse to contact the client; or

• Send a note asking them to make an appointment.

Suitable document templates exist on the PMS.

Clients frequently ask to be given sensitive results by text message or over the telephone.  This may be appropriate in certain cases, especially in tests for common sexually transmitted diseases where early treatment has a great benefit or where the client is unable or unwilling to return for a consultation.Whilst it may be appropriate to send a simple message for normal results, significant abnormal results require at least a telephone call.Clients should be made aware of the implications of any test performed as part of the consent process - assiduous consent processes make follow-up simple.