Use of Mobile Applications for Hospital Discharge Letters - Improving Handover at Point of Practice

Abstract

Maher, B., Drachsler, H., Kalz, M., Hoare, C., Sorensen, H., Lezcano, L., Henn, P., & Specht, M. (2013). Use of Mobile Applications for Hospital Discharge Letters - Improving Handover at Point of Practice. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning, 5(4), 29. IGI Global.

Handover of patient care is a time of particular risk and it is important that accurate and relevant information is clearly communicated. The hospital discharge letter is an important part of handover. However, the quality of hospital discharge letters is variable and letters frequently omit important information. The Cork Letter-Writing Assessment Scale (CLAS) is a mobile application based on an itemized checklist and scoring system developed to improve the quality of discharge letters. In a recent study, CLAS improved the quality (content, structure and clarity) of discharge letters written by medical students. Retention of these skills into the work-place and effects on patient safety have yet to be demonstrated. The development of standardized electronic discharge letters allow faster and safer transfer of information between healthcare providers and is a welcome advance. Mobile applications using Near Field Communication to seamlessly transfer discharge letters between devices is another important advance.