Table 5.
Summary of statistical findings for letter content features against GP gradings
| Content feature (independent variable) | Present in successful letters | Present in unsuccessful letters | Test | Df.* | n | χ2 value | Effect size -phi coefficient | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discharging physician (name & role) | 86.8% | 79.4% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 2.984 | −.097 | 0.084 |
| Reason for admission | 99.1% | 86.5% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 24.176 | −.266 | < 0.001 |
| Diagnosis | 97.4% | 74.5% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 44.386 | −.353 | < 0.001 |
| Tests/procedures performed | 97.0% | 74.5% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 41.841 | −.343 | < 0.001 |
| Investigation results | 96.2% | 77.3% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 30.194 | −.293 | < 0.001 |
| Medication names | 84.6% | 78.7% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 1.719 | −.075 | 0.190 |
| Medication dose & frequency | 84.2% | 78.7% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 1.437 | −.069 | 0.231 |
| Medication changes | 61.5% | 48.9% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 5.193 | −.123 | 0.023 |
| Reasons for changes | 32.1% | 18.4% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 7.606 | −.149 | 0.006 |
| Hospital plan/actions | 70.5% | 50.4% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 14.475 | −.202 | < 0.001 |
| Patient concerns/wishes | 8.1% | 8.5% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | .000 | .007 | 1.000 |
| Information to patient | 38.5% | 24.8% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 6.764 | −.140 | 0.009 |
| GP plan & actions | 69.7% | 53.2% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 9.591 | −.166 | 0.002 |
| Acronyms (unexplained) | 78.2% | 86.5% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 3.482 | .103 | 0.062 |
| Medical jargon (unexplained) | 71.8% | 84.4% | χ2 | 1 | 375 | 7.095 | .144 | 0.008 |
*Df. degrees of freedom