Structured clinic letters
Editor–It is very necessary to study efficient and effective communication between hospital and general practice. Tom Parks and others (Clin Med April 2011 pp 205–6) found GPs to prefer structured letters but what about the person in the middle–the patient? For many years I dictated the outpatient letter to, and with, the patient in their presence in clinic and sent a copy to the GP. This ensured that the patient agreed with the facts, targets and treatment and that the GP knew what information the patient had been given. I surveyed 120 GPs in North Bristol and 119 were very happy with this and I also had a similar result in Gloucester. I know of other consultants who use this system. Apart from being basic good manners it offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss with, and inform patient, family and doctor.
Footnotes
Please submit letters for the editor's consideration within three weeks of receipt of Clinical Medicine. Letters should ideally be limited to 350 words, and sent by email to: clinicalmedicine{at}rcplondon.ac.uk
- © 2011 Royal College of Physicians
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