Discharge summaries in aged care: improving communication between an aged care unit and general practitioners

Abstract

Objective: Discharge summaries (DSs) allow communication between hospitals and general practitioners and are essential for continuity of patient care. Despite this important function, the most junior doctor on the medical team usually writes them. An internal audit and survey of general practitioners (GPs) and aged care facilities within the Bankstown sector of the South Western Sydney Area Health Service revealed significant shortcomings with DSs from the aged care unit at Bankstown‐Lidcombe Hospital Method: A new DS form was designed specifically for aged care patients, and junior medical officers (JMOs) received training at the beginning of term with regular review and feedback throughout the term. Results: After three months a second survey was performed which revealed a significant improvement in the quality of DSs from the unit. Satisfaction with the pre‐intervention DS form compared to the post‐intervention form increased from 22% to 79%. JMOs benefited from extra education and the development of a problem based approach to writing DSs.

Electronic discharge summary driving advice: Current practice and future

“…Although this task affords junior doctors valuable experience, a crucial component of ongoing medical care is allocated to the least experienced member of often large, multi-disciplinary clinical teams. 18 Perhaps not surprisingly, the use of template-based discharge summaries has been shown to be more satisfactory than narrative summaries. 11,18 In view of the findings of the present study and a review of the available literature, the authors propose that a simple driving advice checkbox template (see Figure 3) be included in all electronic discharge summaries.…”

“…16 Unfortunately, communication and information transfer at hospital discharge is often deficient. 17,18 Standardised electronic discharge summaries may improve the transfer of relevant information to general practitioners. 17 There is evidence that electronic discharge summaries improve the quality and timeliness of discharge summaries and enhance communication between inpatient and outpatient health care services.…”

Interns' perceptions of performance feedback

“…49 It also introduces serious risk and increases the chance of readmission. 50 Clinical education and feedback for junior doctors increases the satisfaction of general practitioners and long-term/aged care facilities with the quality of discharge documenta-tion 51 and is viewed positively by participating interns and consultants. 52 Supervised workplace learning is essential for junior doctors to provide safe and quality care.…”