Table 1 Electronic survey answers on content, transfer and use of the discharge summary from 107 primary care units
Never | Seldom | Often | Always | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The discharge summary is received on the day the patient is discharged. | 32 (29%) | 53 (50%) | 22 (21%) | 0 |
The discharge summary is received, but not on the day the patient is discharged. | 3 (3%) | 33 (31%) | 66 (61.5%) | 5 (4.5%) |
The discharge summary is not received, but the medical report is instead incorporated into the medical case history. | 10 (9%) | 49 (46%) | 40 (37%) | 8 (8%) |
The information in the medical report is clearly written. | 0 | 24 (23%) | 71 (66%) | 12 (11%) |
The information in the medical report is reliable | 0 | 18 (17%) | 78 (73%) | 11 (10%) |
The reason for any drug change is indicated in the medication report. | 1 (1%) | 44 (41%) | 52 (49%) | 10 (9%) |
The information in the medication list is reliable | 0 | 22 (21%) | 74 (69%) | 11(10%) |
Drug indication is indicated in the medication list. | 1 (1%) | 32 (30%) | 63 (59%) | 11 (10%) |
The doctor in charge checks the medication list and the medical report to urgently detect any uncertainties/errors. | 0 | 13 (12%) | 63 (59%) | 31 (29%) |
If any uncertainty/error is detected, it is followed up by the doctor in charge. | 0 | 14 (13%) | 47 (44%) | 46 (43%) |
The medication list is updated and changes documented as patient chart entries when the discharge summary is received. | 11 (10%) | 35 (33%) | 44 (41%) | 17 (16%) |
The medication list is not updated nor changes documented as patient chart entries until the patients next planned contact. | 0 | 34 (32%) | 53 (49%) | 20 (19%) |
After drug changes during hospitalisation, treatment is followed up by the doctor in charge if needed. | 1 (1%) | 28 (26%) | 49 (46%) | 29 (27%) |
The discharge summary is of great help for follow-up of the patient’s medication treatment after the hospital stay. | 1 (1%) | 13 (12%) | 39 (36%) | 54 (51%) |