[Evaluation of the discharge summary by general practitioners. A questionnaire study]

Abstract

In March 1986, a questionnaire investigation was sent to 250 general practitioners chosen at random in Denmark. In this questionnaire, general practitioners were asked about their assessment of the total activity involved in letters of discharge. Out of the practitioners questioned, 188 replied to the questionnaire (75.2%). 74% of the practitioners considered that changes were necessary in discharge letters. Most dissatisfaction was expressed about late receipt of discharge letters. 34% of the practitioners found that these letters should be received 0-3 days after discharge of the patient while 61% considered that 4-7 days after discharge could be accepted. A total of 92% considered that, on an average, they received letters of discharge later than seven days after discharge of the patient. As regards the contents of the letters of discharge, 68% of the practitioners considered that these were usually satisfactory. Practitioners appreciated substantial letters with emphasis on conditions of significance for the post-hospital treatment. The most important information was considered to be: medicine on discharge, information given to the patient, reasons for possible changes in medication, information about the subsequent treatment in addition to medicine and information about patho-anatomical findings at operation or biopsy. This investigation has provided a general consumer review of the form of discharge letters, the language, content, use and time of sending.