Transfer of care of postsurgical patients from hospital to the community setting: cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians

Abstract Background Postsurgical management is often delegated to family physicians once patients are discharged from hospital, but management of such patients may not be effectively communicated. We examined transfer of care of postsurgical patients by surveying family physicians. Methods An electronic, self-administered survey was administered from November 2012 to March 2014 to family physicians affiliated with 4 academic and community hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Results A total of 109 of 589 (19% response rate) family physicians completed the survey. The majority (76%) did not believe that the current transfer of care process was adequate. Uncertainty regarding management resulted in one or more adverse patient events for over half of respondents (62%). Conclusions A discrepancy exists between what family physicians desire to have included in transfer tools and the frequency with which these variables are included. Family physicians believe that the current process of transfer of care for postsurgical patients is inadequate and may contribute to adverse events.