Non‐systematic review: Correspondence quality and interoperability between family physicians and hospital clinicians

Abstract

Medical correspondence allows the flow of information between different settings, warrants the continuity of care needed by patients seen in the diverse places they need to attend for their particular needs. Health informatics is expected to facilitate this flow. It should guarantee that data are transferred to different clinical software and reaches the right sections of the distinct electronic health records in use. The clinicians should then have up-to-date and accurate knowledge to care and to manage their patients. The clarity in this communication is essential, but is it achieved?The most relevant inter-organisational transfer of information is probably at the link between primary care (also referred to as family medicine, primary care physicians, general practitioners) and secondary care (hospital medicine, medical and surgical specialities).