Writing: Referral Letter Essentials Flashcards

How should dates from case notes generally be expressed in the letter body?

Answer: In a consistent written format, e.g. 'on 3 June'

Convert note shorthand into clear, consistent date expressions.

When several past medical conditions are stable and unrelated to the referral, the best approach is to:

Answer: Summarise them briefly as relevant background

Stable, less relevant history is condensed into brief background.

Which sentence best transitions from patient background to the current presenting problem?

Answer: 'Mr Jones now presents with...'

A clear topic shift signals the move to the current concern.

In a discharge referral to a community nurse, what is usually the central purpose?

Answer: Requesting ongoing care or monitoring after discharge

Discharge referrals typically request continuity of care.

How should medication information be presented when relevant to the referral?

Answer: Clearly with names and doses as needed

Relevant medications should be stated clearly with necessary detail.

If two pieces of information could go in either of two paragraphs, you should group them by:

Answer: Logical theme so each paragraph has one focus

Paragraphs should be organised around a single logical theme.

A referral letter's tone toward the recipient should be:

Answer: Professional and respectful

Inter-professional correspondence maintains a professional, respectful tone.