Survey on Usage of Medical Referral Information in Japanese Physicians

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this survey was to explore physicians' opinions to identify an adequate time range for clinical information to be provided with a referral that would help minimize wasteful retesting. METHODS In 2011, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 193 physicians. Examining the degree of utilization of provided medical information, we determined the range of clinical information of referral documents. RESULTS Less than three months of prescription history and blood sample test results in patient referral was most frequent. Less than one year of image information was most frequent. Most doctors answered there is no need to repeat the same type of blood test in their institute when they had information less than half a month old. Less than half to one month of image information was most frequent. Also, it appeared many doctors think "fundamentally they do not change their mind from their own medical department standpoint." At the actual site, those who would even review referral clinical notes accounted for about 30% of all participants. CONCLUSIONS Medical referral eventually takes place after the establishment of mutual communication and should consider the workflow and system environment of the receiver of the information.