Diagnosis Documentation Done Right: Cross-Specialty Standard for the Diagnosis Section in German Discharge Summaries - A Mixed-Methods Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The diagnosis section in hospital discharge summaries is critical for continuity of care and patient safety, yet it varies widely in quality, format, and content due to a lack of standards.

Objective

This study aims to develop a cross-specialty standard for the structure and content of the diagnosis section, based on the preferences of German physicians. The study examines physicians' satisfaction with the diagnosis section, their rating of its importance, and their preferences for its specific elements, comparing perspectives between inpatient and outpatient physicians.

Design, participants, approach

This mixed-methods study integrated a scoping review, focus group discussion, and a nationwide survey of 602 physicians (317 outpatient primary care and 285

SUBMITTER: Frings J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12045923 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature