Attended alone

[SharpSheep]

Just curious really.
I go to the docs for blood tests. Several times I've been seen by a healthcare assistant who has a very hostile manner.

I don't know how she is with other patients but she has always been unfriendly on every encounter i've had with her for seemingly no reason at all.

After she sees me she writes in my notes "attended alone"

What does this mean? What is the relevance of this?
Who is this information for?

I'm surprised you can see what she writes tbh but unless there is a backstory then yes it is an odd thing to record.

I'd specifically ask to see someone else next time, there are usually plenty of hcas available taking bloods even in a small practice.

If that isn't possible when you next see them just ask them politely what on earth their problem is as their attitude is unacceptable.

Everyone can see what is written about their appointments on the NHS app. I can see all the notes from my previous appointments.

Oh i didn't know that, thanks!

Op, request another hca. They shouldn't be in their job if they're hostile.

what is a healthcare assistant?
Is this a nurse?

In what way is she hostile or unfriendly?

I should think the note is more because they keep track of people who do not attend alone - because they have a controlling partner, or are deaf or don't speak English or have learning difficulties.

And if after having always attended alone you were always accompanied, that would be a change that might be a cause for concern or at least raise a question.

We always write this, or attended with partner/mother, etc

It does tell us a bit about the circumstances sometimes, for example always attending appointments with your partner might be a bit of a red flag, but it’s mostly to cover our own backs down the line

in health care all information might be important

Clinicians should always record who is present at a consultation.

Her routine way of writing her notes may be attended alone OR attended with xxx.

I wouldn’t read anything into that comment.

I can't, my blood test results aren't even on there

That's rubbish. Have the GP said why not?

On the app, just says info not available

Standard information in medical records. It always seems to piss people off on here though that we record information neutrally & in a way that other HCP can instantly understand with no hyperbole.