Cf. Green et al., Communication regarding adverse drug reactions between secondary and primary care: a postal questionnaire survey of general practitioners, J CLIN PH T, 24(2), 1999, pp. 133-139
GPs are not always informed that their patient suffered an adverse drug rea
ction (ADR) while in hospital. We have conducted a postal questionnaire sur
vey of 270 GPs in order to elicit their views regarding provision of inform
ation from secondary care regarding ADRs. Of the 141 (52.2%) GPs that repli
ed, 127 (90.1%) saw patients that had experienced an ADR in hospital. Of th
ese GPs, 113 (89%) stated that they encountered instances where no record o
f the ADR existed in patients' discharge documentation. Where written infor
mation was absent, GPs are reliant on information given to them by patients
. Of those responding, none were 'very confident' of this information, whil
e 92 (78.6%) were 'uncertain' or 'very uncertain' of this information. A sa
mple notification form was developed. GPs were generally satisfied with its
content and 110 (82.7%) thought that patients should receive a copy. Almos
t all GPs (135 (97.8%)) felt that it would be appropriate to provide patien
ts with ADR warning cards. Ensuring that patients and their carers are awar
e of drugs to which they may be allergic or intolerant through verbal and w
ritten methods should minimize the unnecessary risks of inadvertent re-expo
sure.