Managing proxy access and id identification

GPs sometimes ask how to verify a proxy relationship claimed by a patient.

Proxy access via askmyGP is best regarded as 'on behalf of'.  This is not the same as full proxy access as might more commonly be defined, as the person making a request can see only requests that they have made, or which relate to them (if they have an account). 

This means that there is no new information available to the person submitting the request.  To help manage onward interaction these cases are highlighted in the top right of the screen. 

Our recommendation is to follow the NHS-provided guidance around verifying the identity of patients and others when managing requests.  Additionally (especially for those turning 16) there is a report available in the embedded reports that can be filtered by age to illustrate where extra care might be needed.

Here's a link to the NHS guidance:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/identity-verification.pdf

The spine lookup (automatic for online patients) addresses the "Vouching with confirmation" process.  The management of identity is more critical at the point of response, than at the point of request