Differences in discharge letter content: oncologists' vs. home care physicians' needs.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Healthcare Communication

Background:

• Discharge letters are vital for seamless patient transitions in home palliative care.
• Existing research has not adequately compared the content of oncologists' discharge letters with the information needs of home care physicians.
• Understanding these discrepancies is crucial for improving continuity of care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the information included in discharge letters by oncologists with the specific needs of home care physicians.
• To identify gaps in communication, particularly regarding patients' and families' emotional and perceptual states.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Japan from March to May 2023.
• Anonymous, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 500 certified oncologists and 500 home care clinic directors.
• The study compared the inclusion rates of 20 potential discharge letter items by oncologists against the stated needs of home care physicians.

Main Results:

• A significant discrepancy was found in the inclusion of patients' and families' emotions and perceptions regarding medical conditions, with home care physicians reporting a greater need for this information (p < 0.001).
• Oncologists reported lower inclusion rates for late-onset treatment-related adverse events (79.3% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.002).
• Conversely, oncologists more frequently included information on patients' activities of daily living (96.2% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.031).

Conclusions:

• Effective home-based palliative care requires discharge letters that accurately reflect patients' and families' emotional and perceptual states.
• Addressing the identified gaps in discharge letter content is essential for ensuring high-quality, continuous patient care.
• Improved communication between oncologists and home care providers can enhance the patient experience during transitions.