1286 Parent's/ Carer's Perception of Outpatient Clinic Letters

Abstract

Background: In 2004, the National Health Service announced that letters from consultants to the General Practitioners should be copied to parents of young children. Department of Health has published numerous documents reiterating the benefits of copying clinic letters to patients. Published data also suggests that most parents and young people want correspondence following outpatient appointments. Data is scarce on parents/ carers' perspective on the content of clinic letters and their usefulness. Aim: To determine the opinion of parents/ carers on the value of clinic letters received following their children's outpatient clinic consultation. Methods: 100 parents whose children had at least 1 previous outpatient clinic visit and had subsequently received a clinic letter were asked to complete a questionnaire. Results: Almost all of the parents felt that the copies of clinic letters were useful, they always read the letters and that the doctor's impression of their child's problem was satisfying. Majority of carers felt that the whole of the letter was useful. 3/4 felt that the all the information in the letter was an accurate reflection of their consultation. 4/5 agreed that the language was easy to understand. Internet was the most common source of information if parents did not understand parts in the letter. Overwhelming majority kept and filed the clinic letter. Conclusion: Nearly all the parents appreciate receiving clinic letters. Most of them read and save the letters for future reference. Further studies are required to evaluate the financial implications and alternative ways of communication like emailing letters.