Communication really is vital

The interests of the patient are jeopardized whenever there is a breakdown in communication between the doctor working in the area of primary care and doctors in hospitals and in specialist practice. Deficiences are common, and occur when doctors see patients who are already under treatment from some other source, and when they refer patients for specialist advise. With patients already under treatment there may be no information available as to previous diagnosis, investigations performed and their results, or the treatment the patient has been instructed to take. This information is especially important should a crisis arise at the patient's home. Where it is lacking it is impossible for the patient to receive the optimal care.