Abstract
BackgroundThe discharge summary is the main vector of communication at the time of hospital discharge, but it is known to be insufficient. Direct phone contact between hospitalist and primary care physician (PCP) at discharge could ensure rapid transmission of information, improve patient safety and promote interprofessional collaboration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and benefit of a phone call from hospitalist to PCP to plan discharge.MethodsThis study was a prospective, single-center, cross-sectional observational study. It took place in an acute medicine unit of a French university hospital. The hospitalist had to contact the PCP by telephone within 72 h prior discharge, making a maximum of 3 call attempts. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients whose primary care physician could be reached by telephone at the time of discharge. The other criteria were the physicians’ opinions on the benefits of this contact and its effect on readmission rates.Results275 patients were eligible. 8 hospitalists and 130 PCPs gave their opinion. Calls attempts were made for 71% of eligible patients. Call attempts resulted in successful contact with the PCP 157 times, representing 80% of call attempts and 57% of eligible patients. The average call completion rate was 47%. The telephone contact was perceived by hospitalist as useful and providing security. The PCPs were satisfied and wanted this intervention to become systematic. Telephone contact did not reduce the readmission rate.ConclusionsDespite the implementation of a standardized process, the feasibility of the intervention was modest. The main obstacle was hospitalists lacking time and facing difficulties in reaching the PCPs. However, physicians showed desire to communicate directly by telephone at the time of discharge.Trial registrationFrench C.N.I.L. registration number 2108852. Registration date October 12, 2017.
Highlights
The hospital discharge is a risky moment in the healthcare process
Participants During the study period, 275 of the 399 patients hospitalized in the unit were eligible (Fig. 1). 52% of eligible patients were male and 86% lived at home
Eligible patients had a mean age of 72.6 years and a mean functional status of ADL D-15 4.9
Summary
The hospital discharge is a risky moment in the healthcare process. Medical responsibility is transferred from the inpatient provider or hospitalist to the primary care physician (PCP) [1]. Enzinger et al BMC Health Services Research (2021) 21:1352 professionals leads to discontinuity of care It can be responsible for adverse events such as medical errors or drugs events, avoidable hospital readmissions and even death [2, 3]. The quality of discharge summaries is often insufficient They are incomplete, do not follow standardized formats and the most relevant informations are not clearly highlighted. These documents are received late [4, 5]. Direct phone contact between hospitalist and primary care physician (PCP) at discharge could ensure rapid transmission of information, improve patient safety and promote interprofessional collaboration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and benefit of a phone call from hospitalist to PCP to plan discharge
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
