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Table 3 Issues practices may wish to reflect upon

From: Quality and safety issues highlighted by patients in the handling of laboratory test results by general practices–a qualitative study

1

Practices should consider publicising how test results are handled and managed within the practice, and how results may be communicated to patients. Patients may want to make an individual choice in how they receive notification of test results.

2

Clinicians should consider giving explicit information to patients about their own role, and encourage patients to contribute towards patient safety.

3

A results handling telephone line and dedicated staff would be welcomed by patients in this study as it is perceived by them to be safer and more effective.

4

Practices should emphasize to patients that administrators have a duty of confidentiality similar to that of clinicians in the practice.

5

When clinicians delegate the communication of test results to administrators they need to give unambiguous and detailed instructions to prevent harm to patients.