Presentation Description
Institution: Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, Monash Health - Victoria, Australia
Aims
Outpatient medical letters are foundational to the continuity of patient care. Surprisingly, little literature exists that examines GP feedback about the effectiveness of ENT outpatient letters. We sought to identify ENT outpatient letter characteristics that were important to GPs via an online survey. From these results, we aimed to develop a standardised letter template to apply in ENT outpatient settings.
Methodology
GPs in the Monash Health catchment area (Melbourne, Australia) were invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback about ENT outpatient letters. Demographic data of survey responders were collected. The survey consisted of 3 questions. Two requested Likert scale responses on content and layout. One was a free-text question providing qualitative data. Scores and themes were analysed to assess for preferences in outpatient letters in the context of demographic data.
Results
Survey responders found the most important content in ENT clinic letters to be summarised management plans (29% of respondents), followed by diagnostic summaries (25%) and ongoing GP advice (25%). Medication summaries and detailed histories were deemed less important. The preferred layout was succinct bullet points, and other preferences included subheadings and summarising. The preferred length of letter was 1 page.
Conclusion
This survey demonstrates key GP preferences in ENT clinic letters for concise management plans, clear diagnostic summaries and actionable follow-up advice. These findings highlight the critical role of tailored communication in enhancing the continuity of patient care. By implementing a standardised letter template that aligns with GP priorities, the ENT outpatient clinics at Monash Health have improved interprofessional collaboration and patient outcomes. This approach serves as a model for other departments to engage GP colleagues in similar feedback initiatives, fostering a culture of effective and efficient healthcare communication.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr Anna Symons - , Dr Jared Panario - , A/Prof Paul Paddle -