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Review
. 2000 Jul;27(5):239-42.

[Discharge summary--business card of the psychiatric hospital?]

[Article in German]
Affiliations
  • PMID: 10941774
Review

[Discharge summary--business card of the psychiatric hospital?]

[Article in German]
H Spiessl et al. Psychiatr Prax. 2000 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: Hospital discharge letters represent important means of communication between clinicians and physicians in private practice. They greatly contribute to continuous patient management.

Methods: A survey of the literature is carried out to provide a basis for an optimal psychiatric discharge letter.

Results: Deficiencies in quality of discharge summaries have been mentioned in many studies. These mainly concern delay and length of the letters. Well-structured form letters are preferred. Diagnosis, results of investigations, medication, and treatment after discharge are considered the most important details in the letter.

Conclusions: Summarizing the results, the requirements for an optimal psychiatric discharge letter should be implemented in clinical practice to improve the record and also consumer satisfaction. Computer-generated discharge summaries can improve speed of delivery by using a standardized documentation system in psychiatry and new information technology.

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