[Hospital discharge information as a communication tool]. / Epikrisen som samhandlingsverktøy.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The main objective of the list patient health reform has been to improve the quality of local medical service. In European healthcare systems, there has been a need for coordination between primary and secondary care. It has been claimed that the communication between GPs and specialised health care is insufficient, particularly for patients with an extended need of care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on collaboration and satisfaction with specialised health services was collected in a cross-sectional questionnaire survey comprising all Norwegian GPs in 2004 (N = 633); the response rate was 48%. RESULTS: Median delay in receiving patient information was one week or more for inpatient and outpatient treatment. Overall, GPs were satisfied with the hospitals' discharge reports, except for patients needing extended follow up by GPs after discharge. In these patients, GPs more frequently needed to contact the hospital because of insufficient data or unacceptable delays. Female GPs were less satisfied with information services in patients with increased needs. There were also geographical differences in satisfaction. INTERPRETATION: In patients with an increased need for follow up, GPs are less satisfied with hospital information service.