Improving Resident Hospital Discharge Communication by Changing Electronic Health Record Templates to Enhance Primary Care Provider Satisfaction

Kimberly A. Lynch, Sarah W. Baron, Sharon Rikin, Julie Kanevsky, Carol B. Kelly, Gianni Carrozzi, Ginger Wey, Karen Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Despite use of standardized electronic health record templates, the structure of discharge summaries may hinder communication from inpatient settings to primary care providers (PCPs). We developed an enhanced electronic discharge summary template to improve PCP satisfaction with written discharge summaries targeting diagnoses, medication reconciliation, laboratory test results, specialist follow-up, and recommendations. Methods: Resident template usage was measured using statistical process control charts. PCP reviewers' discharge summary satisfaction was surveyed using 5-point Likert scales analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Residents were surveyed for satisfaction. Results: Resident template usage increased from 61% initially to 72% of discharge summaries at 6 months. The PCP reviewers reported increased satisfaction for summaries using the template compared with those without (4.3 vs 3.9, P =.003). Surveyed residents desired template inclusion in the default electronic discharge summary (93%). Conclusions: This system-level resident-initiated quality improvement initiative created a novel discharge summary template that achieved widespread usage among residents and significantly increased outpatient PCP satisfaction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)112-120
Number of pages9
JournalQuality management in health care
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2024

Keywords

  • care transitions
  • electronic health record
  • graduate medical education
  • quality improvement
  • residency training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Leadership and Management
  • Health(social science)
  • Health Policy
  • Care Planning

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