Evaluation of electronic discharge summaries: a comparison of documentation in electronic and handwritten discharge summaries.

Background: Hospital discharge summaries have traditionally been paper-based (handwritten or dictated), and deficiencies have often been reported. On the increase is the utilisation of electronic summaries, which are considered of higher quality than paper-based summaries. However, comparisons between electronic and paper-based summaries regarding documentation deficiencies have rarely been made and there have been none in recent years.

Are general practitioners satisfied with electronic discharge summaries?

The aim of this study was to assess general practitioners' (GPs') satisfaction with the quality of information in electronic discharge summaries and the timeliness of their receipt of the summaries. The study was conducted in a 75-bed Australian public metropolitan hospital which uses an electronic discharge summary which is mailed to the patients' nominated GP. Eighty-five GPs were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the content of the electronic discharge summary and the timeliness of receipt.