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Lack of PCP communication linked to post-discharge problems

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, September 27, 2010

Hospitalized older patients of out-of-the-loop primary care physicians often experience post-discharge problems, according to a new study, “Problems after discharge and understanding of communication with their primary care physicians among hospitalized seniors: A mixed methods study,” published in the September Journal of Hospital Medicine.

In a study of “frail elders” from February to July 2008 at the University of Chicago, researchers found that 42% of them experienced a post-discharge problem, most often obtaining follow-up tests or appointments. Many of them were either readmitted to the hospital or returned to the emergency department.

Most of these patients do not understand the physician communication process and expected that their primary care physician would be informed of their hospitalization.

Researchers recommend that the system needs interventions to improve communications with PCPs during patient care transitions. Hospitals should keep in mind that improved communication, including using a third-party patient advocate, can lead to more informed, empowered patients, which in turn, can result in minimized patient risk and higher satisfaction scores.

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