Lookback is the process for notifying and tracking groups of patients who have been, or may have been, affected by a clinical incident or concern. It follows a risk management approach and works alongside related processes, including incident review, open disclosure, and critical response.
Lookback is also known as ‘traceability’.
Policy
The Lookback Policy (PD2023_003) sets out when a health service must start a lookback, and the four steps involved.
Communicating with patients, families and carers
Clear, consistent communication matters when you contact patients, families and carers about a lookback event. Use the sample wording below as a starting point and adapt it for your service.