Conference paper
A COMPLETED CYCLE AUDIT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISCHARGE SUMMARIES
Hellme Najim
; South Essex University Foundation NHS Trust, Basildon University Hospital, Basildon, Essex, UK
Khalid Jaffar
; Early Intervention Services South Essex University Foundation NHS Trust, Basildon, Essex, UK
Abstract
Background: Patients discharge summaries are important as they record a vital miles stone in patients’ care. Their accurate
record improves patients’ care and clarifies communication between different health professionals.
Methods: 60 Discharge summaries from different consultant psychiatrists’ case load were audited. The results were analysed
and presented with recommendations to improve them a format was suggested. A reaudit of 62 discharge summaries was carried out
by the same team after three years in the same catchment area but the practice has changed to inpatient and community.
Results: Improvement in most of the areas audited occur in the reaudit which indicates the usefulness of audit in improving
clinical practice which a pivotal part of clinical governance.
Discussion: This completed audit cycle has proven that clinical practice has been reviewed and methods of improving it have
been implemented. It has been noted that more items were reviewed and added to the second cycle which should be condoned.
Conclusion: Discharge summaries are important clinical documents in secondary and primary care communications. They are
helpful for secondary care staff as they good references for people in out of hours services and Accident and Emergency. Good
quality discharge summaries improve patients care and make it easy to manage clinical risk.
Keywords
discharge summaries; communication; secondary care; primary care.
Hrčak ID:
264584
URI
Publication date:
8.9.2015.
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