[Pediatrics. Sharing of the medical letter with the patient]

F Cachat1, H Chehade, S Blank

  • 1Unité de néphrologie pédiatrique, Département médico-chirurgical de pédiatrie, CHUV, Lausanne. Francois.Cachat@chuv.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|February 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric centres sharing medical consultation letters with patients and families improve communication. This practice is well-received by patients and most physicians, enhancing information exchange.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Medical Communication
  • Health Information Dissemination

Context:

  • Traditional medical communication primarily involves physicians.
  • Increasing emphasis on patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
  • Paediatric centres are exploring novel methods for information sharing.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the practice of sending medical consultation letters to patients and families.
  • To assess the reception of this communication strategy by patients and physicians.
  • To understand the impact of direct information sharing on patient engagement and physician satisfaction.

Summary:

  • A practice in some paediatric centres involves routinely sending medical consultation letters to patients and their families, in addition to referring physicians.
  • This approach to sharing medical information is positively regarded by patients.
  • A majority of physicians also appreciate this method of communication.

Impact:

  • Enhanced patient understanding and engagement in their healthcare.
  • Improved physician-patient relationships through transparent communication.
  • Potential for increased adherence to treatment plans and better health outcomes.

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