Information exchange among physicians caring for the same patient in the community.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The exchange of information is an integral component of continuity of health care and may limit or prevent costly duplication of tests and treatments. This study determined the probability that patient information from previous visits with other physicians was available for a current physician visit.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre prospective cohort study including patients discharged from the medical or surgical services of 11 community and academic hospitals in Ontario. Patients included in the study saw at least 2 different physicians during the 6 months after discharge. The primary outcome was whether information from a previous visit with another physician was available at the current visit. We determined the availability of previous information using sur

SUBMITTER: van Walraven C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2572647 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature