Email communication at the medical primary-secondary care interface: a qualitative exploration.
Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 27162209.
- Also identified by DOI 10.3399/bjgp16X685273 and PMC identifier PMC514210.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is little published research into the influence of email communication between primary and secondary care clinicians on patient care. AIM: To explore the use of email communication between clinicians across the primary- secondary care interface, and how this may relate to patient care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A qualitative study involving primary and secondary care services in the NHS Highland Health Board area, Scotland. Ten GPs and 12 hospital consultants were purposively sampled to reflect diversity. METHOD: Eligible clinicians were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Key themes that emerged for clinicians included general perceptions of email; using email in practice (managing workload, impact on patient journeys, and 'quick answers'); system issues (variability and governance); relational aspects; and email skills. CONCLUSION: Email communication between primary and secondary care clinicians generally has a positive impact on patient access to specialist expertise. Governance issues around the use of clinical email need to be defined. There may currently be a two-tier health service for those patients (and their GPs) requiring 'quick answers'.