Follow up of test results after hours.
This article examines a recent Coronial inquest in which the Coroner made recommendations to general practitioners regarding the process of notification by pathology practices of abnormal and life threatening results and how GPs respond to such notifications. An addendum to the Standards for general practices provides guidance for GPs and their staff on the systems to manage the follow up of test results outside normal general practice opening hours.
Bird
Sara
S
MDA National, Australia. sbird@mdanational.com.au
D000328:Adult; D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000592:standards*; D001315:Australia; D002423:Cause of Death / Q000639:trends*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners; D016638:Critical Illness; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000592:standards; D005194:Family Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000592:standards*; D012308:Risk Management; D013997:Time Factors