> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > August 2008 > Divisions Network matters 1

Discharge information - how satisfied are GPs about this interface with hospitals?

Discharge summaries can take many forms: letters (posted or delivered by the patient, faxes, electronic transfer or messaging). No universal solution exists when there are as many discharge systems as there are hospitals and departments within hospitals, and while GP preferences vary considerably along with their record systems. Divisions work to bridge the interface between GPs and hospitals, acting as vital intermediaries to keep this issue on the hospital agenda for essential continuity and coordination of care.

In 2006-07, Divisions reported on GP experiences with hospital integration through the National Quality and Performance System National Performance Indicators. Sixty-three of 119 Divisions provided information for this non-mandatory indicator, reporting satisfaction ratings for one quarter of their GPs. Half of these GPs were satisfied with the agreed system, 23% were unsure and 27% were dissatisfied. Explanatory text provides reasons for dissatisfaction, which included poor legibility, delays, cessation of an agreed fax system, inability to exchange information securely and electronically, absence of medications on discharge summaries, or lack of information on further management.

Divisions continue to work with hospitals on this critical interface, because circumstances and technology change rapidly, and some have achieved high levels of GP satisfaction.

This high number [76%] is not unexpected as the Division has worked with the discharge planning officer at the hospital to achieve this result.

Regional context plays a role with higher GP satisfaction with systems in local rural hospitals where GPs have visiting rights, and less satisfaction with larger regional and metropolitan hospitals.

GPs are also VMOs for local hospitals and transmission of patient information is seamless. However episodic situations arise for patients discharged from metropolitan hospitals.

Find the results of all indicators for 2006 – 07 on the PHC RIS website <www.phcris.org.au/dios/displayReport0607.php>. Select N_INT 2.1 in the content filter to see the number of GPs who were satisfied with the agreed system for timely and appropriate exchange of patient information for discharge notifications.