Communication between hospitals and isolated aboriginal community health clinics

Objective: This study described the communication dynamics, identified prob lems and recommended changes to improve patient follow-up and communication between Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) and isolated Aboriginal community heal th clinics (CHC) in the Northern Territory (NT). Method: In 1995, staff interviews were conducted and an audit of isolated A boriginal patients' RDH discharge summaries (DS). Results: Eighteen per cent of RDH DSs never arrived in CHCs. DSs were often prepared late and more likely to be in CHC records if written on time and if the referral source was specified. Interviews revealed discontent betwee n CHCs and RDH regarding: communication. DS documentation, the supply of di scharge medication, as well as different hospital and community perceptions of Aboriginies' reliability to carry a DS and CHC desire for patients to b e given DSs at discharge. Conclusion: Aboriginal patients should be given a DS at discharge and resid ent medical officers should be educated as to the function and importance o f the DS. In 18 months following this study RDH appointed unit-based Aborig inal health workers and a policy was produced for written communication bet ween hospital and CHCs, as well as a discharge planning manual for Aborigin al communities. Implications. Projects investigating communication between hospitals and is olated Aboriginal clinics and patient follow-up may result in significant p olicy changes concerning these processes.