Gold Coast Health committed to improving discharge summaries

Gold Coast Health has bolstered its commitment to improving communication to GPs through Transfer of Care (discharge) summaries with the recent formation of a senior executive steering committee kickstarting a number of specific actions.

Since the first meeting last month, the group has developed key actions to strengthen the transition of care communication and support existing initiatives.

Chair of the Committee and A/Executive Director of Organisational Development, Dr David Rosengren said understanding the needs of GPs was a key component to improvement.

“As part of our increased commitment, we’ve engaged with active local GPs, through very valuable site visits, to gain a better understanding of their processes to ensure any reforms hit the mark,” Dr Rosengren said.

“We’re also looking at developing minimum standards of content for discharge summaries and improving digital pathways so we can optimise efficiencies for doctors and pharmacists.

“Importantly, we know Gold Coast isn’t alone in this issue, which is why we’ve reached out to our colleagues at other health service across the state so any optimisation can be harnessed by a wider group.”

Medical Director (GP Partnerships and Engagement), Dr Kate Johnston said the formation of the committee would provide additional oversight for GP concerns with discharge summaries.

“This Committee will continue to work with the Communicating for Safety Committee providing additional executive support to ensure we are changing our approach to transfer of care with continuity of care and workflow efficiency front of mind,” Dr Johnston said.

If you would like to provide feedback, contact the Gold Coast GP Liaison Team at GCGPLU@health.qld.gov.au or visit: www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/referrals/resources/gp-liaison