Improving the letters we write: an exploration of doctor–doctor communication in cancer care
1999
Improving Doctor Communication in Cancer Care
Sample size: 28
publication
Author Information
Author(s): McConnell D, Butow P N, Tattersall M H N
Primary Institution: University of Sydney
Hypothesis
How can doctor-to-doctor communication be improved in cancer care?
Conclusion
Doctors need to improve their letter writing practices to ensure important patient information is communicated effectively.
Supporting Evidence
- Only four of 27 categories of referral information appear regularly in referral letters.
- Oncologists want to receive information about the patient's medical status and involvement of other doctors.
- Referring surgeons and family doctors are concerned about delays in receiving consultant reply letters.
- Reply letters often include more patient history than recipients desire.
Takeaway
Doctors write letters to each other about patients, but they often forget to include important details, which can cause problems.
Methodology
The study involved semi-structured interviews, content analysis of referral and reply letters, and surveys of oncologists, surgeons, and general practitioners.
Participant Demographics
Oncologists, referring surgeons, and general practitioners in Australia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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