Copying referral letters to patients: the views of patients, patient representatives and doctors.
To discover the views of patients, patient representatives and doctors on copying referral letters to patients. A three-part study: an analysis of 50 GP referral letters against a standard template; 35 patient interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire in outpatient waiting rooms; 3 focus groups of patients, patient representatives and doctors. There was general agreement that copying referral letters to patients could improve information and decision sharing with patients. Copying referral letters could provide an opportunity for patients to correct mistakes, prepare for their appointments and have a personal record that they could keep and show to others. However, there were concerns about letter content, particularly medical terminology, character judgements and "sensitive" patient information. It was also recognised that providing more information to patients could increase patient anxiety. The style and content of some referral letters may need to change. This is particularly relevant where certain types of information included in referral letters could cause distress for patients or influence the time that patients have to wait for their outpatient appointments.
Guy's, King's & St. Thomas' School of Medicine, 70 Beauval Road, East Dulwich, London SE22 8UQ, UK. mail@philipwhite.co.uk
Philip
P
White
Andrew
A
Singleton
Roger
R
Jones
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002605:Character; D003219:Confidentiality; D003308:Copying Processes / Q000592:standards*; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D003657:Decision Making; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008131:London; D008485:Medical Audit; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010819:Physician's Role; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012660:Semantics; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035502:Trust