Structured discharge letter in a department of geriatric medicine.

A discharge letter which has been introduced into the South and Central Birmingham Geriatric Service is described. This letter combines the features of a discharge notification and a discharge summary. For speed of communication, a handwritten version accompanies the patient on discharge from hospital and a typed copy is posted subsequently. The letter is structured and includes details of the medical assessment, medication, the recommended follow up, the need for support outside the hospital, the relatives involved and the unresolved problems. It has reduced the work of the hospital doctor and the secretaries, has speeded communication with general practitioners (GPs), and is acceptable to most GPs as a substitute for a conventional discharge summary.