Communication between primary health care and the emergency department during transfer of care of patients in Malta

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Communication is important within the healthcare system. Communication failure can have negative effects on patients as it can result in adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the communication between the emergency department and primary health care in Malta using qualitative methods.

METHOD: The data for this study was collected via semistructured interviews conducted in 2021- 2022. The interviews were carried out online for convenience and safety measures due to COVID-19. The data collected was qualitative in nature. Twelve participants were involved in the study: four from the emergency department, four from private general practice and four from public general practice. The data collected was transcribed. The transcripts were confirmed with the participants, and analysed using the thematic analysis method to elicit common themes.

RESULTS: The themes elicited were introduction to roles and similarities between them; frequency of communication; reasons for communication; the current methods of communication and opinions; recommendations; nurturing relationships and respect; and the physician’s perception of the patient’s experience.

CONCLUSION: Participants shared different ideas on how to improve communication and inter-personal relationships. The consensus was that, over the years, there has been an improvement in communication. However, there was still room for improvement. Several participants were in favour of improving direct contact, mainly by calling.