BMA criticises SCR enrolment process

It should be easier for patients in England to opt-out of having Summary Care Records, according to the British Medical Association

The BMA has criticised the fact that there is no opt-out form included with the information sent to patients about SCRs. Instead, patients have to request the form online, through calling an 0845 phone number or by informing their GP.

If patients take no action, the NHS will automatically generate a centrally-held record from their healthcare data. However, as in Scotland healthcare practitioners will have to ask patients for permission to view records on each occasion.

The association also said that patients are inadequately informed about whether or not to opt-out, citing a 2008 evaluation of the records' introduction by academics from University College London, which found that seven in 10 patients in early adopting areas were unaware that their records would be added to a national database.

The criticism comes as five of England's strategic health authorities are moving ahead with introducing SCRs across their areas: the north west, north east, Yorkshire and Humber, London and east of England.

"The Summary Care Record roll-out is now happening too hastily," said Dr Grant Ingrams, chair of the BMA's GP IT committee. "While we believe it has the potential to improve both the quality and safety of patient care, we are concerned at the speed because it means patients are very unlikely to be aware of what they are automatically being enrolled into."

The Department of Health replied that it has changed the process to make it easier for patients to opt-out. "Patients are given at least 12 weeks to decide if they want to have a Summary Care Record and are provided with full information about how to opt out if they wish to," said a spokesperson.

"We have a coordinated information programme aimed at increasing patient awareness of the initiative across the country. However, this aims to alert and inform patients, rather than speed up the process by which they take a decision."

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