Guidance for doctors on easier to read letters

HOSPITAL DOCTORS have been given new guidance on how to write letters that are easier for patients to understand.

Outpatient clinicians have been advised to write most of their letters in a style that directly addresses patients rather than their GPs.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges issued the guidelines to help avoid confusion, mistakes and offence caused by the use of medical jargon which is incomprehensible without specialist knowledge.

There are more than five million outpatient visits a month in England alone, producing a vast number of notes that are usually sent back to family doctors.

“Communicating effectively with patients is central to being a good doctor,” the guidance states.

“Writing an outpatient clinic letter directly to the patient, rather than sending them a copy of a letter sent to their GP, can greatly improve communication with a patient.

“Patients who receive such letters much prefer them, are very appreciative, and would like more doctors to write them in this way.”

The academy said writing directly to patients can help them cope with their health conditions and spot mistakes made by doctors with their personal details or medical requirements.

The guidance also says a letter is “rarely the best way to break upsetting news”.

The academy launched its Please Write to Me initiative to encourage doctors to write letters in plain English.