title: A qualitative study to investigate why patients accept or decline a copy of their referral letter from their GP.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Our practice in Northumberland has offered patients copies of their clinical referral letters for almost 3 years. However, many patients declined this offer and this qualitative study was conducted to determine why almost 80% of patients offered a copy of their referral letter opted not to receive one.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To discover why some patients accepted and others declined a copy of the letter written from GP to specialist.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative focus-group study.
  
  
  METHODS
  General practice in Northumberland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three focus groups of referred patients were created, and discussions were taped, transcribed and analysed for major themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients chose to accept or decline a copy of their referral letter for diverse reasons. However, most felt that the ability to choose for themselves whether to have a copy or not was essential.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The concept of trust in their GP was a major theme that patients related was often behind their decision to decline a copy of their letter. These results, if transferable, may have implications for the application of this policy.
authors.affiliation: Allendale Health Centre, Allendale. gerrymorrow@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morrow
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: Shona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haining
mesh_terms: D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D035502:Trust