[Transmission of medical information about patients who died of cancer to their heirs. Experience over 4 years and 57 cases].
BACKGROUND
The transmission of medical information about patients who have died is regulated by statute, under strict conditions recently clarified by the Conseil d'Etat.


METHODS
Analysis of requests from heirs to our cancer center over a 4-year period.


RESULTS
Of 48 serious requests, 28 met the legal conditions and were answered by the transmission of the appropriate information. The remaining 20 were not covered by the law, but were rather personal questions by people in mourning; They received appropriate explanations.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations should help to manage similar requests in the future.
Hoerni
Bernard
B
Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux. hoerni@bergonie.org
Reiffers
Josy
J
D022126:Access to Information / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005190:Family; D005602:France; D008499:Medical Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*