Referral of patients to hospitals, specialists and other institutions is an essential part of
primary health care. Patients are referred to specialists when investigation or therapeutic …

Establishing effective communication between general practitioners (GPs) and medical
specialists is a key component of the referral system. Written communication between GPs …

To discover the views of patients, patient representatives and doctors on copying referral
letters to patients. A three-part study: an analysis of 50 GP referral letters against a standard …

Background Patient referral is a process in which a healthcare provider decides to seek
assistance due to the limitations of available skills, resources and services offered locally …

BackgroundReferral letters sent from primary to secondary or tertiary care are a crucial
element in the continuity of patient information transfer. Internationally, the need for …

Background We aimed to explore if increasing the amount of relevant information relayed in
referral letters between general practitioners (GPs) or family physicians and hospital …

Referral letters and replies are an important vehicle for conveying information about patients
and for creating and sustaining professional relationships. Studies of communication …

The National Health Service (NHS) Plan for England has directed that from April 2004
clinicians will offer patients the opportunity to receive copies of letters that are written about …

Conclusion The described tool appears to meet criteria for a good assessment instrument: it
has validity, reliability, and feasibility. The content and style items of the instrument were …

Background. Some patients need referral within the health system to achieve optimal care,
and referral letters are an important part of this process. Healthcare practitioners often …