The message sent from one doctor to another, requesting an examination/ opinion is called a referral note. The referral note has to be properly written to elicit a proper response from the other doctor.
I have encountered referral notes which are not only incomplete, but grossly offensive. For example- while I was working in CGC at Wadia hospital in Mumbai I used to be called with a note saying ' Dear CGC, Come and see ...... patient, he does not have any problem found by us'. And I have answered with 'CGC building cannot move or cannot sign on this call- there is no person here called CGC- therefore this call is being returned to your Consultant for review'. But one must be careful as patient is the ultimate sufferer in this fight of wills. It is the duty of every medical teacher to properly teach their students how to write a referral note (provided they know it). At least my teachers in B J Medical College, Pune did so with due deligence.
Every Referral note must begin with a proper heading- referred to so and so, Department/ Ward, etc. It should have the date and time of writing referral. It should begin with proper address such as 'Dear Doctor' in case of a colleague, or 'Respected Sir/ Madam' in case of senior faculty/ colleague. Write clearly the patient's name, age and current working diagnosis. Also write for what you are referring the patient. Is it for second opinion, interpretation of reports, taking over- etc? Finally sign off with a legible signature and mention your full name with contact details under the signature. This is important as sometimes the other doctor may need to contact you for clarification. Ward referrals should always be followed by a request to note the referral and write down when the doctor will visit the ward. This helps you to plan to be present when the doctor visits; an invaluable experience of learning.
Nowadays referrals, at least in private practice, are made by email or text message. It is not feasible to write very formal long referrals. But still clarity and politeness should not be compromised.
Young doctors should inculcate techniques of professional communication right from the beginning of practice. Refined communication will make your work easier and efficient and you will gain respect among colleagues- other doctors will appreciate working with you. It also gives a message that you are serious about your work, and communicates an expectation of equally sincere work (from colleague). When you are so thorough about your referral your colleague also feels accountable to you. All this is important to be able to manage your patient properly. Medicine is not only about diagnosis and treatment; it also involves management of case.
Incomplete and improper referrals are confusing and off-putting. They can irritate or even antagonise the other doctor. The ultimate sufferer is the hapless patient. I think we should not make the patient's condition like 'a frog between two stools'
I have encountered referral notes which are not only incomplete, but grossly offensive. For example- while I was working in CGC at Wadia hospital in Mumbai I used to be called with a note saying ' Dear CGC, Come and see ...... patient, he does not have any problem found by us'. And I have answered with 'CGC building cannot move or cannot sign on this call- there is no person here called CGC- therefore this call is being returned to your Consultant for review'. But one must be careful as patient is the ultimate sufferer in this fight of wills. It is the duty of every medical teacher to properly teach their students how to write a referral note (provided they know it). At least my teachers in B J Medical College, Pune did so with due deligence.
Every Referral note must begin with a proper heading- referred to so and so, Department/ Ward, etc. It should have the date and time of writing referral. It should begin with proper address such as 'Dear Doctor' in case of a colleague, or 'Respected Sir/ Madam' in case of senior faculty/ colleague. Write clearly the patient's name, age and current working diagnosis. Also write for what you are referring the patient. Is it for second opinion, interpretation of reports, taking over- etc? Finally sign off with a legible signature and mention your full name with contact details under the signature. This is important as sometimes the other doctor may need to contact you for clarification. Ward referrals should always be followed by a request to note the referral and write down when the doctor will visit the ward. This helps you to plan to be present when the doctor visits; an invaluable experience of learning.
Nowadays referrals, at least in private practice, are made by email or text message. It is not feasible to write very formal long referrals. But still clarity and politeness should not be compromised.
Young doctors should inculcate techniques of professional communication right from the beginning of practice. Refined communication will make your work easier and efficient and you will gain respect among colleagues- other doctors will appreciate working with you. It also gives a message that you are serious about your work, and communicates an expectation of equally sincere work (from colleague). When you are so thorough about your referral your colleague also feels accountable to you. All this is important to be able to manage your patient properly. Medicine is not only about diagnosis and treatment; it also involves management of case.
Incomplete and improper referrals are confusing and off-putting. They can irritate or even antagonise the other doctor. The ultimate sufferer is the hapless patient. I think we should not make the patient's condition like 'a frog between two stools'
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