Impact of providing patients with copies of their medical correspondence: a randomised controlled study

Abstract

Background: In Australia, correspondence is routinely sent to general practitioners following a specialist consultation. Written communication is an important way to enhance patient experiences and understanding, yet most patients do not receive copies of their medical correspondence. Aims: To determine whether providing clinic correspondence and endoscopy reports to patients leads to improved understanding, satisfaction or anxiety. Methods: This is a prospective, randomised controlled study conducted at an Australian tertiary hospital from October 2013 to February 2015. New adult referrals to the general gastroenterology clinic requiring an urgent endoscopic procedure were eligible for the ..