Reasonable Adjustment Recommendations on Medical Records
If you have health difficulties, adding a 'Reasonable Adjustment Recommendation' to your NHS medical record can help ensure healthcare staff are aware of your needs and can support you appropriately during appointments. This guide provides detailed steps, examples, and resources to help you navigate the process.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with reasonable adjustment recommendations on medical records.
Understand What a 'Reasonable Adjustment Recommendation' Is
What Is a Reasonable Adjustment Recommendation?
A reasonable adjustment is a change or support measure to make healthcare services more accessible for people with disabilities or specific needs.
Purpose: To help NHS staff understand how to adapt care for your specific needs.
Location: The recommendation is added to your Summary Care Record (SCR), visible to NHS staff involved in your care.
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments:
Longer appointment times to allow for clear explanations.
Quiet waiting areas to reduce sensory overload.
Permission for a support worker or advocate to attend appointments with you.
Use of written communication instead of verbal instructions.
Determine Why You Need a Reasonable Adjustment
Why It’s Important:
Understanding your specific needs will help you communicate them effectively when requesting adjustments.
Reflect on Past Experiences:
Think about challenges you’ve faced in healthcare settings.
Example: “I felt overwhelmed by bright lights and noise in the waiting room.”
Identify Specific Needs:
Write down what would make medical appointments more accessible.
Example: “I need clear, written instructions for post-appointment care.”
Consider the Benefits:
Example: Having a flag on your record can reduce stress and ensure consistent support across all appointments.
Request a Reasonable Adjustment Recommendation
Who Can Add It to Your Medical Record?
GPs: Your GP is usually the first point of contact for adding adjustments.
Specialists: Hospital consultants or healthcare professionals involved in your care can also add recommendations.
Other Healthcare Staff: For example, mental health teams or occupational therapists may make recommendations.
Process to Request Adjustments:
Contact Your GP Practice:
Call, email, or visit your GP surgery to request a meeting.
Example: “I’d like to discuss adding reasonable adjustments to my medical record to ensure my needs are met during appointments.”
Explain Your Needs:
Be specific about the adjustments you require.
Example: “I have sensory sensitivities and need a quiet waiting area before my appointment.”
Provide Supporting Evidence (Optional):
Evidence could include:
A diagnosis of a health condition.
Letters from occupational therapists or specialists.
Example: A letter stating, “This patient benefits from visual aids and extended appointments due to communication challenges.”
Ask for Written Confirmation:
Request confirmation that the adjustments have been added to your record.
Example: “Can you confirm when my adjustments will appear on my Summary Care Record?”
Understand What May Be Included on the Record
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments:
Sensory Needs:
Dimmed lights or reduced noise during appointments.
Communication Preferences:
Written summaries of appointments or visual aids.
Appointment Preferences:
First or last appointments of the day to minimise waiting time.
Support During Appointments:
Permission for a carer, family member, or advocate to attend.
How Adjustments Are Flagged:
The adjustments are visible to healthcare staff via the NHS Summary Care Record. This helps ensure consistent support across different NHS services.
Review and Update Your Adjustments
Your needs may change over time, so regular updates ensure your adjustments remain relevant.
Step-by-Step Process:
Schedule a Review with Your GP:
Example: “Can we review my reasonable adjustments to ensure they’re still appropriate?”
Provide Feedback:
Let your GP or healthcare provider know if certain adjustments aren’t working.
Add New Adjustments as Needed:
Example: If you develop a new health condition, request additional support.
Manage Concerns About Confidentiality
How Your Information Is Protected:
Reasonable adjustment recommendations are confidential and only accessible to healthcare staff involved in your care.
Addressing Confidentiality Concerns:
Ask About Data Protection:
Example: “Who will have access to my adjustments, and how will this information be used?”
Request Limited Sharing:
You can ask for specific details to be shared only with relevant healthcare providers.
Use Anonymous Resources:
Example: Contact PALS for advice on confidentiality without sharing personal details.
Access Support for the Process
Who Can Help You?
Support Workers or Advocates:
They can help you communicate your needs to healthcare providers.
Charities and Organisations:
National Autistic Society (NAS): Provides guidance on reasonable adjustments.
Website: www.autism.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 800 4104
Mencap: Offers support for people with learning disabilities.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
Helps with concerns about NHS services, including reasonable adjustments.
Website: Find Your Local PALS
Use Tools and Resources
Websites for Further Information:
NHS Reasonable Adjustments:
Detailed guide on your rights under the Equality Act 2010.
Website: Reasonable Adjustments (NHS).
National Autistic Society:
Guides on requesting adjustments and navigating healthcare.
Apps for Health Management:
MyGP:
Manage GP appointments and access your health record.
Calm or Headspace:
Manage anxiety around healthcare settings.
Practice Self-Compassion
Acknowledge Your Efforts:
Seeking adjustments is an important step toward better healthcare experiences.
Take Breaks If Overwhelmed:
If the process feels stressful, pause and seek support from someone you trust.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Example: “I successfully explained my needs to my GP today.”
Final Thoughts
By following this expanded guide, you can confidently request and update reasonable adjustments on your medical record. These adjustments ensure NHS staff can provide you with accessible and supportive care tailored to your needs. Use the provided resources and support networks to make the process easier.