Afilalo et al, Canada (2007)6; Lang et al, Canada (2006)7
| RCT (4-period cluster crossover) | ED | n=23 (PCPs) 1048 patient visits to ED Two 10-week periods PCPs received a secure, web-based communication system including ED notes, as consultant notes, laboratory results, ECG, imaging reports, discharge planning, medication changes Daily/immediate advisory emails alerting PCP of ED visit
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García-Aymerich et al, Spain (2007)17 | RCT | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: Respiratory and Environmental Health Research Unit | Four key features:Comprehensive assessment of the patient at discharge Educational programme on self-management Individually tailored care plan shared across the system via interaction between nurse care manager and the primary care team Information and communication technologies platform including web-based call centre containing discharge information
| n=69 Patients received pharmacological prescriptions and in-hospital treatment Standard protocols of centres involved (no help from specialised nurse, no educational programme, no access to the call centre)
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Casas et al, Spain, Belgium (2006)16 | RCT | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: Respiratory and Environmental Health Research Unit | Four key features:Comprehensive assessment of the patient at discharge Educational programme on self-management Individually tailored care plan shared across the system via interaction between nurse care manager and the primary care team Information and communication technologies platform including web-based call centre containing discharge information
| n=90 Patients received pharmacological prescriptions and in-hospital treatment Followed standard protocols of centres involved (no help from specialised nurse, no educational programme, no access to the call centre)
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Gray et al, USA (2000)18 | RCT | Infants in neonatal intensive care unit | n=26 Families accessed Baby CareLink, a multifaceted telemedicine program (videoconferencing and internet technology). Six areas of clinical content were available: a daily clinical report, message centre, infant photos, family room, clinical information, individualised preparation for discharge
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van Walraven and Rokosh, Canada (1999)19 | RCT | General internal medicine patients | | |
Maslove et al, Canada (2009)13 | RCT (Cluster) | 513-bed tertiary care hospital, General Internal Medicine Service | n=56 surveys, 46 DS, 50 patient phone interviews EDS created by text fee-entry, pasting from hospital IT system, pick lists
| n=63 surveys 48 DS, 54 patient phone interviews Traditional dictated DS (mailed/faxed to outpatient physicians)
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Graumlich et al, USA (2009)10 11 | RCT (Cluster) | 730-bed, tertiary care hospital, General Internal Medicine Service | n=34 physician clusters, 316 patients Computerised physician order entry system/EDS including decision support. Output of four documents: personalised PCP letter, prescription list, patient instructions, discharge orders by fax/post.
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Kirby et al, UK (2006)12 | Prospective Intervention (Concurrent Control) | Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology | | |
Branger et al, Netherlands (1992)15 | Before–after | 27 PCPs, two regional hospitals, unspecified services | n=27 PCPs, 1388 (admission-discharge reports, 1396 laboratory results) Electronically transmitted messages (admission and discharge reports, laboratory reports, free text)
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Callen et al, Australia (2008)8; Callen et al, Australia (2010)9
| Before–after | Medical and rehabilitation patients, 78-bed public hospital | | n=94 Handwritten DS posted
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O’Leary et al, USA (2009)14 | Before–after | General medical patients admitted to a 753-bed hospital | n=95 EDS generated by electronic medical record Automatic insertion of data, automatic fax to outpatient physicians
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