The system of copying patients into letters sent between doctors and specialists has forced patients to then visit their GP to have the contents of the letter explained to them in terms they understand. This is part of the reason whey the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, which represents the U.K.’s 250,000 doctor, is urging them to make major change to their relationship with patients by writing to the latter themselves, rather than sending letters to their GP and copying the patient in on that correspondence. The guidance won’t be mandatory but will be considered best practice. It aims to help patients better understand what’s going on and to make them feel more supported. The move comes after a trial found that both doctors and patients favoured the new system.
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