During 1972-3 a survey was made of the pattern of communication between 80 consultants in four hospitals in southeast England and 100 general practitioners in the catchment areas of these hospitals. This aimed to identify the factors which affect the efficiency of communication between these two groups and to look for ways of improving this. Face to face contact between consultants and general practitioners was extremely limited. The main communication links were the letters of referral and discharge, but even this form of communication had serious defects. Though most doctors were satisfied with communications in general the evidence suggested ways of improving communication between consultants and general practitioners, such as encouraging domiciliary visits where both doctors are present and consultant sessions in health centres, but that any innovation in this field could only be successful if the attitude of the consultants and general practitioners were in harmony with the new venture.

No abstract

No abstract

BY M. N. TEMPEST and J. B. ATKINS with the collaboration of S. Bridge Davis, formerly H.M. Medical Inspector of Mines From the Plastic Surgery Unit, Chepstow, and the Medical Inspectorate of Mines (RECEIVED FOR PUBLICATION DECEMBER 13, 1957) *Space forbids the detailed description or illustration of the burned skin and clothing in these cases. The complete case notes upon which this study has been based may be inspected on application to M. N. Tempest, F.R.C.S.

No abstract