16 April 2026
Research funded by BSR and led by Dr Charlotte Sharp and a multidisciplinary working group involved surveys, interviews, and workshops with over 700 rheumatology patients and 300 healthcare professionals (HCPs) across all four UK nations.
The findings were clear: patients want clinic letters written directly to them with their GP copied in. We are releasing a new suite of practical, evidence-based resources to help make that happen.
What the research found
Patients prefer outpatient clinic letters to be written directly to them, but currently, most rheumatology HCPs write directly to GPs. Patients said they want letters that include clear actions for themselves, their GP, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care. They find it helpful to have medical terminology included, with plain English explanations.
Zoe Chivers, Director of Services and Devolved Nations at Arthritis UK, says: "For too long, patients have been kept in the dark about their own health. When patients can easily understand the summary of their appointment, they are better equipped to feel informed, involved, and confident in decisions about their health.”
It does not have to be daunting
For HCPs who are hesitant to make the switch, the evidence is reassuring. Writing directly to patients is not necessarily more time intensive or challenging than writing to a GP. It just takes practice and a willingness to try. These resources give you the helping hand you need to get started.
Those who have already made the change confirm this. "Writing directly to patients has been incredibly rewarding, far beyond what I had anticipated. It has introduced a new level of trust and shared responsibility into the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Ceril Rhys-Dillon.
What the resources include
Funded by BSR and Arthritis UK and developed by Dr Charlotte Sharp and a working group at The University of Manchester in collaboration with patients and healthcare professionals, the resources are practical and ready to use.
For healthcare professionals, they include writing tips, a recommended clinic letter structure, a phrasebook with plain English alternatives to common medical terms, example paragraphs, and a patient feedback form to support appraisal and reflective practice.
Patient-facing resources are also included, covering a guide to understanding clinic letters, a glossary of rheumatology terms, and signposting to trusted organisations.
A shift that benefits everyone
Writing directly to patients is not just best practice, it is a meaningful step towards truly patient-centered care. Patient partner and co-author, Karen Staniland, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis, explains why it matters: "Receiving a letter addressed directly to me after each appointment greatly supports this partnership. It reinforces my understanding of what was discussed, clarifies the agreed plan, and encourages me to follow my treatment with confidence.”
BSR Vice President Will Gregory reinforces the wider call to action: "Patients consistently tell us that when we write to them, not about them, their understanding, confidence, and ability to manage their health improves. All healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference by choosing clarity, inclusivity, and direct communication in every clinic letter."