When Primary Care Physicians and Specialists Communicate . . .

The effects of timely communication between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists on patient outcomes are uncertain. In a systematic literature review, researchers identified 23 studies of communication and outcomes for patients with diabetes or psychiatric conditions. Communication methods included face-to-face meetings, electronic or paper letters and notes, telephone discussions, and videoconferencing. Patient outcomes were assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels in diabetes studies and by a depression scale in 10 of 18 mental health studies. Overall, 12 trials were controlled (11 randomized), and the rest were before-and-after studies.

The effect of communication between PCPs and psychiatrists in randomized and nonran…