Supporting continuity of information in the patient transfer process should there be a minimum data set across care...

Existing clinical information systems do not facilitate the easy transfer of relevant clinical information; hence there are significant disparities in both the type and timeliness of information that accompanies a patient transfer between care settings. Patient data is commonly fragmented between various health care settings and providers, further contributing to a reduction in the quality of information that is shared. Delineating a transfer minimum data set would provide the basis for communicating consistent information between care settings.