Mark Meterko, PhD

Even with significant organizational investment in cross-system coordination, primary care providers report a range of challenges in coordinating care with specialists in other health systems.

Data from a national survey of Veterans Health Administration specialists indicate that referral templates may improve the appropriateness, clarity, and completeness of primary care–specialty care referrals.

Deprescribing could reduce the risk of harm from inappropriate medications. Understanding patient attitudes regarding which clinicians can make deprescribing recommendations can facilitate effective design and implementation of interventions.

The authors developed and validated a survey instrument to assess primary care providers’ and pharmacists’ experiences, attitudes, and beliefs regarding medication discontinuation.