Ask the Expert: Implications for Physician Office/Ambulatory Care Hand-Offs

It's not just the hospital setting

Inadequate communication in the physician office practice and ambulatory care settings can also impact patient care outcomes and add to the risk of significant patient harm. Some family practice and internal medicine physicians incorporate the use of patient referral forms to adequately communicate patient care information. These Ticket to Ride forms include patient demographic information, current medications, ongoing clinical conditions/diagnoses, current test results and reason for referral.  The relationships that physicians develop with other physicians are an important communication mechanism. It is a good idea to discuss ways for physicians to work together, to ensure better quality health care for their patients. This communication is important to make sure the system adopted for communicating back and forth is as convenient and effective as possible.