Dear all Please see the message below that has gone out to GP partners and PMs. Kind regards Lesley
[Londonwide Logo] [https://image.s6.sfmc-content.com/lib/ffcf14/m/1/spacer.gif] 16 August 2023 Dear colleague, Patient access to records - new BMA guidance Automatic access to prospective patient records is already enabled for those practices who do not have some form of opt-out in place. All practices are now contractually obliged to provide access for all their patients by 31 October 2023, unless exceptions apply. The only valid exceptions being either people who have asked to opt out or individuals identified as at risk. The most recent BMA guidance can be viewed here<https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/gp-practices/gp-service-provision/updated-guidance-on-accelerated-access-to-gp-held-patient-records>. Steps for practices to undertake before 31 October 2023 * Practices who wrote to their clinical system provider opting out of having the automatic access switched on for all patients, and have not since had it switched on, will need to decide if they want to turn on the automatic functionality, or grant access manually, to patients in the coming months. * If a practice decides they want to turn the automatic functionality on: * EMIS practices can request that EMIS automatically enables their patients access to their records. There are only 2 sessions remaining in September and October where EMIS is running these 'bulk enablement' processes for participating practices. A slot can be booked here<https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=kp4VA8ZyI0umSq9Q55Ctv08kRWQnMINCuBavj6rlFxdUMU4wT09JQllOQjlLMUtQOVdLOTUxTEtMRC4u>. If a practice wants this option and does not book onto one of the slots, they will have to enable each patient record individually. * TPP practices will have to update their systems themselves. There is a user guide on the FutureNHS platform<https://future.nhs.uk/system/login?nextURL=%2Fconnect.ti%2FNHSXImplementation%2Fview%3FobjectId%3D26634512>. It is reported that it took a practice about an hour to complete. There is also a support team available by contacting [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. * The new automatic functionality will not deal with any patients with the '104' code applied and these will need to contacted to discuss the risk and it access is safe to provide it manually. * If a practice decides to grant access manually to patients before 31 October 2023, they will need to decide if they wish to seek consent from each patient prior to granting access, and determine a road map to consult all patients before the end of October. For any patient where a '104' SNOMED code was applied, and therefore was thought to be at higher risk , will need to be consulted. The only exception in not giving prospective access is if the patient asks not to have it. * If a practice batch coded their patient list, they will need to manually review each patient and grant access or document dissent before 31 October 2023. * All practices will need to: * Ensure all practice staff are aware of the upcoming changes and received training on how to handle queries. Training is provided in the RCGP toolkit<https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=13455&chapterid=764>. * Prepare for patient queries and expect to fields more queries after 31 October 2023 from patients. There is a table of commonly found abbreviations<https://user-content.s6.sfmc-content.com/o%09https:/www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/health-records-in-the-nhs-app/abbreviations-commonly-found-in-medical-records/> in medical records that practices can use to signpost patients to. * Ensure that they are recording information in a way that a patient can readily understand and does not cause offence. Redaction of entire consultations and entire documents can occur. More information is in the RCGP's GP Online services toolkit. * Consider advertising the upcoming changes in waiting rooms and on the practice website. There is no obligation to write out to or to contact all patients. * Consider promoting the use of the NHS App. Our full guidance is available on our website<https://www.lmc.org.uk/resources/automatic-access-to-patient-records/> and has been updated in light of the recent BMA guidance. Best wishes, Elliott Dr Elliott Singer Medical Director Londonwide LMCs Londonwide LMCs and Londonwide Enterprise Ltd Tel: 020 7387 2034 Fax: 020 7383 7442 Email:: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Web: www.lmc.org.uk<http://www.lmc.org.uk/> Twitter:@LondonwideLMCs<https://twitter.com/londonwidelmcs> Facebook: www.facebook.com/LondonwideLMCs<https://user-content.s6.sfmc-content.com/www.facebook.com/LondonwideLMCs> ---------------------------- 🌲 Think of the environment. Do you really need to print this email? This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please accept our apologies and notify the sender. The registered and office address for Londonwide Local Medical Committees Limited is: Tavistock House South, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9LG. Registered in England No: 6391298. 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