Table 1.

Discharge letter inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

NHS adult (18+ years) patients recently discharged (≤3 weeks) from hospital following an episode of inpatient or outpatient care. Patient registered with the participating GP practice. Patient treated at and discharged from hospital trusts within Warwickshire, Coventry, Rugby, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. Cases where written discharge communication has been sent to the patient’s GP.

Exclusion criteria

Age <18 years. Patients who lack capacity to give informed consent to participate in the study (eg, Alzheimer's, severe mental illness, etc) or are deemed by the GP to be unsuitable for participation (eg, end of life). Patients discharged to providers or units other than their GP (eg, discharge from hospital to a rehab unit). Discharge communication from mental health services. Communication about individuals who are considered unable to participate in an interview or focus group or survey conducted in English. Letter relates to patient who has expressed a general wish not to participate in research.

GP, general practitioner; NHS, National Health Service.