Copying clinical letters to patients – a tool for involvement

The implementation date for the copying letters to patients policy was April 2004. It was a recommendation in the Bristol Infirmary Inquiry Report ‘Patients should receive a copy of any letter written about their care or treatment from one health care professional to another’. and The Healthcare Commission audits its implementation.

While copying clinical letters to patients can appear to be a straightforward, practical, challenge, in reality it emerges as a complex process of information exchange which touches what is at the heart of patient involvement and shared decision taking.  When implemented sensitively with clinicians having supported preparation it yields great benefits.

4Ps has been involved in copying letters and reports development programmes since 1999; which we describe as ‘letter sharing’. We ran one of the national Department of Health pilots on best ways of working with professionals and have an online resource for implementation. It is a key element of the Patient Friendly recognition scheme.

to email our information and resources editor Margaret Martin if you would like to know more and for any specific help.