Workflow models of hospital discharge communications

The discharge communications between the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and its referring General Practitioner's (GPs) in the community are investigated. These documents are known by a variety of names. To prevent confusion two descriptors are introduced: the immediate discharge document (IDD), and full discharge document (FDD). From a survey of different Hospital Units, four patterns of workflow are identified. A common IDD that meets the majority of the needs of the GP is suggested; this will also allow for a distributed computerized solution to improve workflow processes. Initial results do indicate an increase in efficiency and effectiveness of hospital discharge communications due to the technocentric intervention.