Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
A survey of patient views on receiving vascular outpatient letters
1University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Insights
Vascular surgery patients highly value and understand their clinic letters. This study suggests healthcare providers should consider giving patients copies of these letters for better information reinforcement.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Patient Education
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Effective communication is crucial in healthcare.
- Patient understanding of medical information impacts adherence and outcomes.
- Outpatient clinic letters contain vital information for patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient attitudes towards receiving copies of vascular outpatient clinic letters.
- To determine the perceived usefulness and understanding of these letters by patients.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 100 patients attending a vascular outpatient clinic.
- Patients provided feedback on letter content, understanding, and future preferences.
Main Results:
- A 68% response rate was achieved.
- 94% of patients found receiving a copy reinforced information, 93% found it helpful, and 96% understood the content.
- 97% of patients desired to receive future letters.
Conclusions:
- Vascular surgery patients demonstrate a positive attitude towards receiving clinic letters.
- The findings support the adoption of providing patients with copies of their clinic letters in vascular outpatient settings.
Aim:
To assess the attitude of patients to receiving a copy of vascular outpatient clinic letters.
Method:
100 patients attending an outpatient vascular clinic at Christchurch Hospital were sent a copy of their outpatient letter along with a questionnaire. This gathered information on the content of the letter, their understanding of it, how useful they found it and whether they would want this practice to continue.
Results:
The response rate was 68%. Ninety four percent of the responders believed receiving a copy of the letter was a good reinforcement of the information they received at the consultation. Ninety three percent of responders also found being copied into correspondence helpful and 96% understood the contents of the letters. Ninety seven percent wished to receive more letters in the future.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that vascular surgery patients both value and understand clinic letters, and that health professionals should consider adopting this practice into their vascular outpatient clinics.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:26Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation