Referral letters — the enclosure of the general practitioner's computerized record

The computerization of general practice records in group practices often makes it possible for a print-out of the record to be sent to hospital specialists on referral. I examined the assessments made by consultants of the value of this. While general practitioners and consultants do not agree on the content of the ideal referral letter, the addition of a computer print-out would aid about a third of consultants.