RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A qualitative study to investigate why patients accept or decline a copy of their referral letter from their GP
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 626
OP 629
VO 55
IS 517
A1 Gerry Morrow
A1 Amanda Robson
A1 Barbara Harrington
A1 Shona Haining
YR 2005
UL http://bjgp.org/content/55/517/626.abstract
AB Background Our practice in Northumberland has offered patients copies of their clinical referral letters for almost 3 years. However, many patients declined this offer and this qualitative study was conducted to determine why almost 80% of patients offered a copy of their referral letter opted not to receive one.Aim To discover why some patients accepted and others declined a copy of the letter written from GP to specialist.Design of study A qualitative focus-group study.Setting General practice in Northumberland.Method Three focus groups of referred patients were created, and discussions were taped, transcribed and analysed for major themes.Results The patients chose to accept or decline a copy of their referral letter for diverse reasons. However, most felt that the ability to choose for themselves whether to have a copy or not was essential.Conclusions The concept of trust in their GP was a major theme that patients related was often behind their decision to decline a copy of their letter. These results, if transferable, may have implications for the application of this policy.