Referral letter content: can it affect patient outcomes?

This study aimed to identify the type and level of content within GP referral letters associated with favourable patient outcomes. Data was sourced from both PubMed and Embase, and 528 references were systematically reviewed: 30 articles were included. Information extracted included the influence of referral practices on patient outcomes. The study found that most articles reported on information flow from GPs, which was typically poor. Only two articles noted the direct effect of GP referral on patient outcomes. In conclusion, there is limited research on the type and level of content within GP referral letters to specialists that are associated with favourable patient outcomes. Researchers inferred that: the quality and quantity of information relayed at the interface between primary and secondary care is poor, and that this compromises patient outcomes.