Writing Reports

1. 2007 Writing Reports

2. Types of reports • Insurance reports • Incapacity benefit • Disable living allowance • Police witness statements • DVLC reports • Holiday cancellation forms • Army medical reports

3. Types of reports • Adoption medical reports • Occupational health reports – fitness for work • Exemption from poll tax – mental health • Capacity to make a will • Capacity to understand power of attorney • Coroner’s reports for court • Freedom from infection – needs medical

4. Types of reports • Children - fitness to act • Child protection meeting reports • Passport forms – 2yrs and check photo

5. Pitfalls to avoid • Ensure you have the correct notes • Only answer the question they are asking • Do not interpret what is written in the notes • If no information in notes state that • Do not make assumptions – i.e. That they can get out of a chair because you think you can remember them doing at the surgery

6. Pitfalls to avoid • What you write can have dire consequences for the patient if you are unsure speak to them or negotiate with company the need for a medical examination – larger fee • If it is outside your area of competence decline to do it. • Don’t give out information on phone without being certain to whom you are speaking

7. Pitfalls to avoid • Only write down what you can defend from the written notes. • Don’t give information which could be detrimental to the patient if it has not been asked for.