NHS England: National Patient Recall Framework (1 June 2022)

Summary

The overall objective of a patient recall is to limit or mitigate the harm to patients and provide a clear focus for their ongoing care. Patient safety is the priority concern for all recall processes.

The purpose of the national recall framework is to provide guidance on the arrangement of a recall of patients. This guidance is for patients who need to be called back by a healthcare provider for further consultation, review and/or clinical management because a potential or actual problem has been identified. There is a need to:

• understand if and how patients may have been affected and/or
• provide any further information, treatment and support needed. 

The National Patient Recall Framework contains principles for conducting a patient recall in the interests of safety for providers of secondary care. It includes key elements which should be considered in order to conduct a recall process which is rigorous and patient-centred. Although this is for use in secondary care, the principles outlined may also be useful for recalls taking place in other settings.