Patients who use online patient services such as the NHS App and who have requested full access to their GP medical records will now be able to access their results themselves, as well as receiving their results via communication from the NHS Business Service Authority as before.
The results will appear in patient’s record as a laboratory test result but appear in a way that makes them easily distinguishable from other types of test results.
The new data flow utilises EMIS Health’s Keystone product - which provides messaging of clinical and administrative data such as pathology – with data now flowing into the systems of 95 per cent of GP surgeries and the remaining 5 per cent due to go live soon.
The data will not just cover new tests. All tests already carried where it is possible to identify the test recipient’s NHS number – the majority of tests carried out – will also be shared.
There may be a short time lag between the result being communicated to the patient by NHS BSA and the results arriving in the GP system, but it should provide near real-time data.
It applies to all tests booked via the nhs.uk/coronavirus or gov.uk portals for tests carried out at testing centres or at with at-home testing kits.
Patients do not need to be contacted by the practice as the results will have already been provided to the individual by text and email. Guidance is provided in the text/email; for example requirements on isolation, what to do if symptoms get worse; plus links to national guidance. Individuals do not need to contact their GP practice.