Hi Chris
> I hope the certificates are not used for statistical analysis!
They may well be but my interest in the certificate is between me and the
patient. These certificates go straight to the employer and the patient
may have good reasons for (and every right to) privacy. For example the
patient may just have received a diagnosis of cancer or this may be a
possibility needing confirmation or exclusion. In this case a diagnosis of
chest infection will be accurate if incomplete. If a seriously ill baby is
in ITU then "Anxiety state" or the like covers a desperately concerned dad
who couldn't concentrate on his job. I had an airline pilot in this type
of situation some time ago.
A patient being investigated for AIDS may well need protection in a small
town or works as he may not have the disease but be ill and need time off.
In these situations then the form at the back of the pad with a "vague"
diagnosis (official word and quotes! ) may be needed. Having said this
I've only used the form about twice in 20 years !
Vague diagnoses exist and are useful on occasion to cover genuinely vague
diagnoses and patients right to confidentiality. Who has access to these
notes at work? We have no control over that and under the current rules
the employer is wholly responsible for the administration of the system for
the first few weeks.
Tom
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