[Exchange of paraclinical information between the primary and secondary health sectors]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which, biochemical test results obtained in the primary health sector could be regarded as valid information in the clinical assessment of patients admitted to hospital.

The study was based on a questionnaire, which was designed to assess the value of historical biochemical data in the initial diagnostic process. The data was transferred from the laboratory of Copenhagen general practitioners (KPLL) database to a computer terminal in the emergency medical ward at H:S Bispebjerg Hospital.

It was possible to assess historical KPLL data on close to 80% of all hospitalised patients. In 50% of these patients, doctors indicated that the data always (96%) contributed to the diagnosis. In 70%, the data further contributed to the subsequent planning of diagnostic strategy. With regard to the initial diagnosis, comparison of KPLL data with data obtained on admission always resulted in a further classification of at least one condition. The comparison of KPLL data with admission data always led to a more precise plan for further diagnostic strategy.

The comparison of KPLL data with admission data, significantly contributes to differentiate the initial diagnostic strategy. In turn, this seems to have a significant bearing on the planning of further diagnostic strategy. It is postulated that a computer-based information system, through which the primary and secondary health sectors can exchange patient-related clinical data, would lead to a more focused use of resources, and hold significant advantages for the patient.