Proposal for a standardized discharge letter after hospital stay for acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism represents the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in developed countries. It requires, in most cases, hospital treatment and always a structured follow-up program. Therefore, at the time of discharge, the communication and the transfer of information from the specialist to the general practitioner, through the discharge letter, represents a crucial opportunity. The aim is to improve the quality of the transmitted content, including information regarding initial assessment, procedures during hospitalization, residual risks, discharge treatments, therapeutic goals and follow-up plan in accordance with the latest guidelines. The discharge letter after hospitalization for pulmonary embolism must include personalized information, especially regarding the anticoagulant regimen in the specific onset setting. Finally, the follow-up program should be accurately described. A standardized discharge letter template, accompanied by some final notes addressed to the general practitioner and patient, could represent a useful tool to improve the quality and time of transmission of information between health professionals after pulmonary embolism.