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In their recent article, Callen et al1 suggest that electronic discharge summary (DS) systems might ameliorate issues associated with missed test results for hospitalised patients. In fact, the use of information technology (IT) has long been proposed as a tool for enhancing the quality of DSs and, by extension, continuity of care.2–6

Simply switching to electronic DS systems will not be a panacea, however, unless the underlying factors that affect the quality and utility of DSs are addressed. These …