Dinniss et al (Psychiatric Bulletin, September 2006, 30, 334–336) demonstrated the impact of a standardised admission form on admission booking by psychiatric trainees. A similar audit was completed in our local trust (Bransholme) and showed considerable improvement in practice after the introduction of a standard template for writing letters from the out-patient clinic to the general practitioner.

The template combined recommendations from various sources, including Pullen & Yellowlees (Reference Pullen and Yellowlees1985) and College guidelines for new patient assessment (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2001). The template stressed the inclusion of the diagnosis in each letter along with the ICD–10 code. The main focus of the template was encouraging trainees to use the bio-psychosocial approach while explaining the management plan in the letter.

Prior to the introduction of the standard template, trainees missed out important information such as diagnosis with the ICD–10 code and prognosis from the letter. Most trainees left out documentation of explanation of the condition to the patient, the item identified as important by general practitioners in the survey of Pullen & Yellowlees (Reference Pullen and Yellowlees1985)

The results of the completed audit cycle confirmed the effectiveness of the standard template. We also received positive feedback from general practitioners, many of whom thought that the standardised letters conveyed much more information. The standard template not only resulted in improved communication with the general practitioner but also helped trainees to prepare for the Membership examinations.