Improving the quality of electronic discharge summaries from medical wards: A quality improvement project

Introduction The electronic discharge (e-discharge) summary forms an essential component of communication between secondary and primary care. However, its content and quality can often be substandard due to inadequate or inaccurate information. Method Two retrospective audits were completed with intervening e-discharge workshops. Local general practitioners were involved in identifying areas for improvement and assisted with the workshops. Crib sheets were emailed to all junior staff and posted on all medical wards. Results There was an improvement in the quality of e-discharges with particular improvements on the documentation of test results and patient progress and outcome. Those who attended the workshops produced better quality e-discharges and none recommended unnecessary actions for general practitioners. Conclusions E-discharge workshops are effective in improving the overall quality of discharge summaries from medical wards. Introduction of mandatory e-discharge training sessions during hospital induction and junior doctor rotations would be beneficial to teach this important yet challenging skill.