Workflow models of hospital discharge communications

The discharge communications between the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and its referring General Practitioner´s (GPs) in the community are investigated. These documents are known by a variety of names. To prevent confusion two descriptors are introduced: the immediate discharge document (IDD), and full discharge document (FDD). From a survey of different Hospital Units, four patterns of workflow are identified. A common IDD that meets the majority of the needs of the GP is suggested; this will also allow for a distributed computerized solution to improve workflow processes. Initial results do indicate an increase in efficiency and effectiveness of hospital discharge communications due to the technocentric intervention