Key result
Direct hospitalist calls to PCPs before discharge succeed in ~57% of eligible patients.
Why the study?
Does direct phone communication from hospitalist to primary care physician prior to discharge improve readmission rates and physician satisfaction?
Cross-Sectional (n=275)
No
Does direct phone communication from hospitalist to primary care physician prior to discharge improve readmission rates and physician satisfaction?
Direct phone communication between hospitalists and primary care physicians at discharge is desired by physicians but has modest feasibility due to time constraints and does not reduce readmission rates.
Phone contact from hospitalist to PCP at discharge appears feasible; leaves open whether it improves safety or collaboration in routine care.
Background The discharge summary is the main vector of communication at the time of hospital discharge, but it is known to be insufficient. Direct phone contact between hospitalist and primary care physician (PCP) at discharge could ensure rapid transmission of information, improve patient safety and promote interprofessional collaboration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and benefit of a phone call from hospitalist to PCP to plan discharge. Methods This study was a prospective, single-center, cross-sectional observational study. It took place in an acute medicine unit of a French university hospital. The hospitalist had to contact the PCP by telephone within 72 hours prior discharge, making a maximum of 3 call attempts. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients whose primary care physician could be reached by telephone at the time of discharge. The other criteria were the physicians' opinions on the benefits of this contact and its effect on readmission rates. Results 275 patients were eligible. 8 hospitalists and 130 PCPs gave their opinion. Calls attempts were made for 71% of eligible patients. Call attempts resulted in successful contact with the PCP 157 times, representing 80% of call attempts and 57% of eligible patients. The average success rate for calls was 47%. The telephone contact was perceived by hospitalist as useful and providing security. The PCPs were satisfied and wanted this intervention to become systematic. Telephone contact did not reduce the readmission rate. Conclusions Despite the implementation of a standardized process, the feasibility of the intervention was modest. The main obstacle was hospitalists lacking time and facing difficulties in reaching the PCPs. However, physicians showed desire to communicate directly by telephone at the time of discharge. Trial registration French C.N.I.L. registration number 2108852. Registration date October 12, 2017.
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Enzinger et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Hospital discharge (n=275). Direct phone call from hospitalist to primary care physician was evaluated on Proportion of patients whose primary care physician could be reached by telephone at the time of discharge. Direct phone communication from hospitalists to primary care physicians prior to discharge was successfully completed for 57% of eligible patients.
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