Research claims consultants’ follow-up letter helps patients

PATIENTS who were given a follow-up letter detailing what occurred during their visit to a consultant expressed high levels of satisfaction and enthusiasm, a new study has found.

Researchers in University College Cork (UCC) and Limerick Regional Hospital are recommending that the health system examines how effectively it is communicating with patients.

Under a study carried out in two health board regions (HSE South and HSE Mid-West), 150 patients were given a letter from consultants outlining the main problems discussed, decisions made in the consultation and diagnosis where available. The letters were written in an easy-to-read style with an extra copy for the patient’s GP.