Jonathan Kay wrote:
> For once I'm writing as Chairman of the Informatics Committee of the
> Royal College of Pathologists. The laboratory report is part of the
> clinical record. Other documents in the laboratory, including requests
> and internal workings are not. We have recently released the second
> version of the College guidance on retention of records.
>
> Unfortunately the legal status of clinical records that are not
> paper-based is not clear. One general practice has been found to be in
> breach of NHS terms by only using computerised clinical records.
> Guidance from the DoH has been sought.
>
> I am aware that a few laboratories and many general practices have
> removed paper from many of their records: I'm only commenting on the
> legal position, not the advantages and disadvantages.
>
> I would very much value legal and management opinions from as many
> laboratories as possible.
>
> Jonathan
>
> Dr Jonathan Kay
> University of Oxford
>
> Eric Kilpatrick wrote:
>
> > One of our GP practices which has been receiving electronic reports
> > for some time now wants to dispense with receiving the hard copy. I
> > have always been of the opinion that the final paper report is akin to
> > a legal document and may still be needed if a patient moves practice
> > or is under the care of a disreputable single handed GP. Is solely
> > electronic reporting to GPs a common and legal practice in the
> > UK? Dr. Eric S. Kilpatrick
> > Consultant in Chemical Pathology
> > Hull Royal Infirmary
> > Anlaby Rd
> > Hull HU3 2JZ Tel: 01482-674312/674814
> > Fax: 01482-674310
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