Management of Incidental Findings (IF) Policy Version 2.0 | Effective 01 November 2026

The revised policy incorporates updates aligned with the Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC) Ethics Guidelines on Human Biomedical Research (2021) and introduces additional guidance on the management of incidental findings identified through research.

Key changes include:

1. Disclosure of Clinically Significant Findings

• Clinically significant findings should be disclosed to participants who have indicated a wish to receive incidental findings, regardless of whether the finding is actionable.

2. Management of Serious or Life-threatening Incidental Findings

• A new management pathway has been introduced for situations where a participant has previously declined receipt of incidental findings, but a serious or life-threatening finding with available treatment or preventive options is subsequently identified.

• This includes re-contacting the participant to confirm their wishes and, where appropriate, disclosure of the finding to the participant's attending physician if the participant continues to decline receipt of the finding.

Researchers are encouraged to review the revised policy and assess whether updates to study documents, incidental findings management plans and informed consent materials may be required.

You may download a copy of the policy and summary of changes here (Intranet access required):

• Management of Incidental Findings (IF) Policy Version 2.0 (opens in new tab)

• Summary of Changes (opens in new tab)

For enquiries, please contact the NHG Research Institution (RI) Secretariat at NHGGroup.RISecretariat@nhghealth.com.sg.

Do share this update with your study teams and colleagues.