Personal informed choice. All screening is an individual choice. The UK NSC has published guidance for screening programmes in the 4 UK countries to follow. Everyone must be given the opportunity to make an informed choice about whether or not to be screened. The decision should be based on an understanding of: • why they are being offered screening • what happens during the test • the benefits and risks of screening • the potential outcomes (including types of result, further tests and treatment) • what happens to their screening records If someone is provided with the above information about the programme and chooses not to have screening, then this is a valid choice and must be respected. Addressing inequalities and ensuring equal access to screening Screening is inherently equitable because it is offered to all individuals within the eligible population. One of the objectives of the NHS Screening Programmes is to help reduce health inequalities. The PHE Screening inequalities strategy has more information. Sharing personal information Under the 2010 Equality Act, screening services are required to anticipate and prevent discrimination against people with learning disabilities. The duty of care to share information can be as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality. GPs and other health professionals should have the confidence to share relevant information with screening services in the best interests of their patients. For example, a GP may know that an individual with a learning disability requires accessible information about screening in easy read format or needs a longer than normal appointment slot. See NHS England and NHS Improvement information sharing policy for more detailed guidance. PHE Screening’s privacy notice has more information about how screening data is shared within the legal requirements, including those of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Personal informed choice. All screening is an individual choice. The UK NSC has published guidance for screening programmes in the 4 UK countries to follow. Everyone must be given the opportunity to make an informed choice about whether or not to be screened. The decision should be based on an understanding of: • why they are being offered screening • what happens during the test • the benefits and risks of screening • the potential outcomes (including types of result, further tests and treatment) • what happens to their screening records If someone is provided with the above information about the programme and chooses not to attend screening, then this is a valid choice and must be respected. Opting out Services should respect the decision of any individual choosing to opt out of screening, either on a single occasion or permanently. No pressure should be put on people to be screened and services should not require the individual to justify their decision.
Personal informed choice. All screening is an individual choice. The UK NSC has published guidance for screening programmes in the 4 UK countries to follow. Everyone must be given the opportunity to make an informed choice about whether or not to be screened. The decision should be based on an understanding of: • why they are being offered screening • what happens during the test • the benefits and risks of screening • the potential outcomes (including types of result, further tests and treatment) • what happens to their screening records If someone is provided with the above information about the programme and chooses not to have screening, then this is a valid choice and must be respected.
