Guidance

Disclosure offer process

Updated 26 September 2024

Applies to England

This guidance covers phase 2 of the audit process undertaken when a person is diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Phase 1 (the cancer audit process) terminates with the disclosing clinician sending a letter to the individual, offering them the chance to receive information arising from the audit. (See the accompanying attachment cancer audit process.)

Phase 2 (the disclosure offer process) covers the 4 possible outcomes of this offer. It should be completed within 6 months of the first letter being sent (unless the person defers making a decision). Unless otherwise stated, all actions are carried out by the disclosing clinician.

1. No response to offer letter

If no response received in 3 months 바카라 사이트“ does duty of candour apply?

No
Document this in the patient notes and inform the cervical screening provider lead (CSPL), treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP.

Yes
Send a second offer letter. If no response is received within 3 months, assume the person does not wish to know the results. Document non-response in the patient notes and inform the CSPL, treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP.

2. Offer declined

Document this in the patient notes and inform the CSPL, treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP.

3. Offer declined for now, but reminder requested in 6 months

Log the reminder offer letter request, and inform the CSPL. Send a reminder offer letter after 6 months. There are 3 potential outcomes from sending an offer reminder letter.

No response to reminder

If no response received in 3 months 바카라 사이트“ does duty of candour apply?

No
Document non-response in the patient notes and inform the CSPL, treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP.

Yes
Send a second offer letter. If no response is received within 3 months, assume the person does not wish to know the results. Document non-response in the patient notes and inform the CSPL, treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP.

Reminder offer declined

Document this in the patient notes and inform the CSPL, treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP.

Reminder offer accepted

See section 4 below.

4. Offer accepted

Are there are findings from the audit?

No
Send 바카라 사이트˜no findings바카라 사이트™ letter A to the individual, copying in the CSPL, treating clinician and the person바카라 사이트™s GP. (See the section on 바카라 사이트˜being open and transparent바카라 사이트™ in the guidance on disclosure of cervical screening history review results and applying duty of candour.)

Yes
The clinician:

  • sends 바카라 사이트˜findings바카라 사이트™ letter B to the individual (see the section on 바카라 사이트˜being open and transparent바카라 사이트™ in the guidance on disclosure of cervical screening history review results and applying duty of candour)
  • makes an appointment with the individual to discuss the findings, and informs the CSPL
  • discloses audit results at the appointment, and documents the discussion in the individual바카라 사이트™s notes
  • sends a summary of the discussion to the individual, their GP, their treating clinician and the CSPL