STANDARDS
Follow-up systems and recalls Follow-up appointments, sometimes referred to as recalls, are important for both the patient and general practice. Clinically significant results must be communicated quickly and appropriately so appropriate action can be taken, reducing the likelihood of adverse patient outcomes that may lead to medico-legal issues for the practice. In 2012, 'recalls' became the focus of a Victorian Supreme Court case (Grinham v Tabro Meats Pty Ltd and Victorian WorkCover Authority v Murray) which examined the ‘clinical and legal obligations of a doctor in relation to the follow up of a patient when they do not return for further testing or consultation despite being asked to do so’. As a result of legal proceedings from this case, it was established that a general practitioner can potentially defend an allegation of a failure to recall a patient so long as there is sufficient evidence that reasonable attempts were made to recall and contact the patient. 13
SPRING 2020
Follow-up and recall systems are outlined in the RACGP Standards 5th edition under GP Standard 2, Comprehensive care, which ensures practices provide comprehensive care to patients. Criterion GP2.2 has four mandatory indicators and one aspirational indicator.
