San Francisco Health Network began to pilot the email system in 2014. Results showed 53% of those in the pilot visited a primary care physician within a week of discharge by 2015, while 38% of the control group did the same. The study also found 58% fewer readmissions within 30 days among patients who followed up with primary care doctors shortly after discharge. In a follow-up survey, 86% of outpatient primary care doctors said they received discharge details within one or two days. The vast majority (82%) said that the system improved communication with inpatient clinicians, and 72% said it made scheduling follow-ups easier. The survey indicates the email-based solution was cost-effective, as it doesn't require complex or expensive technologies or staff training. It was also found to be easy to use and it provided an electronic record that providers in each setting can monitor.
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