Table 7 Summary of GP comment analysis findings
Successful letter comments | Unsuccessful letter comments |
|---|---|
Discharging physician details •Name of responsible consultant and discharging physician and their role Clinical summary elements •Diagnosis clear •Clear clinical summary •Clear results and interpretations of investigations/tests clearly recorded •Treatment given in hospital clear •Clear reason for admission •Clear history Follow up or actions •Clear follow up & management plan •Clear action plan to include appropriate actions for GP and why •Follow up arranged •If relevant, appointments organised •Clearly stated if no follow up or further action is required Medication information •Clear medication changes & why •Medication changes highlighted in GP action so not missed •Explicit if no medications changed •Advised medication monitoring and recommendations moving forward Patient communication •Information given to patient is clear Letter style •Information relevant and “concise” •Letter legible or readable Other •All information described as necessary included in letter •If relevant, home/social situation | Discharging physician details •No discharging physician name and position Clinical summary elements •No diagnosis or no clear diagnosis •No details of treatment (given and/or planned) •No indication of tests carried out or results •No information about reason for admission •Cause of admission not addressed Follow up or actions •No advice to GP for ongoing management •No or unclear follow up plan or arrangements •GP asked to make referrals hospital should have •Advice to GP described as vague and not helpful •Request for GP to chase results •Unrealistic GP blood test requests (<1 week) Medication information •No medication details •Not clear why medication changed •Says no GP action but changes made to medications •No medication dosing or duration •GP asked to prescribe specialist-only medication •Medication not dispensed Patient communication •Information given to patient not indicated or no information given to patient Letter style •Use of uncommon acronyms without explanation •Illegible/ letter is handwritten and difficult to read Other •No discharge date •No patient address •Incorrect information in summary •Key details omitted e.g. antibiotic given •Multiple addendums •Letter arrived late to GP/took a long time |