Effects of inadequate hospital clinical handover on metropolitan general practitioners in Queensland: A qualitative study.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Transition from hospital to community care is well established as a high-risk time for patients. Inadequate clinical handover to general practice puts patients at risk of medical error, adverse events and rehospitalisation. We sought to understand the effects on general practitioners (GPs) of poor clinical handover from the inpatient, outpatient and emergency department settings.

Method: Qualitative methodology was used through conducting semi-structured interviews with purposively selected GPs. Interviews were undertaken until data reached saturation and no new themes emerged. The interviews were thematically analysed and coded.

Results: Key themes emerging included poor communication leading to patient safety concerns, time taken away from patient care and GPs experiencing a lack of professional respect.

Discussion: Clinical handover from the hospital sector remains a source of frustration for GPs. Poor handover demonstrates a lack of appreciation for the important role of the GP in continuing the care of patients and puts patients at risk of poor outcomes.