Background:
Oncologist letters to General Practitioners provide an important record of oncology consultations. In Australia it is not common for patients to be routinely provided copies of oncologist letters to GPs. There is evidence to suggest that copying correspondence to patients increases patient’s involvement in and understanding of their care and that patients generally report high rates of satisfaction when receiving copies of correspondence.
Aim:
We undertook a healthcare improvement project to copy patients into their oncologist GP letters. Our aim was to determine if patients and their carers value receiving copies of these letters and if they experienced improved understanding of their condition/treatment and doctor/patient communication. Secondary aims were to ensure providing copies was sustainable.
Methods:
Using Plan-Do-Study Act (PDSA) cycles with consumer advocate participation in the project, increasing numbers of patients were consented to receive copies of letters. Patient/carer experience was captured via an anonymous 8 question online survey and a series of process measures were used to assess sustainability during each cycle.
Results:
Between February and July 2022, >200 patients/carers at Bendigo Health consented to receive copies of their oncologist letter. 48 surveys were returned and multiple other patients provided informal feedback. Survey responses were strongly positive, >90% patients/carers reported the letters: improved understanding of their condition and treatment plan; made them feel more included in their care; wanted to keep receiving the letters; and found the letters useful as a record. Multiple other positive outcomes were reported and the process was proven sustainable. 86% of patients did not find the letters confronting or upsetting. The majority of informal feedback was positive, and only 3 patients provided negative feedback.
Conclusions
Providing patients with copies of their oncologist GP letters can lead to improved communication with patients and is generally perceived as positive outcome by oncology patients.