Improving communication with specialists. The case of an oncology clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate how much information a specialist oncologist receives at the time of initial assessment of referred patients.


METHODS
Prospective audit of 103 new patients referred to the Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital--based on referral letters; availability of blood, radiology and histopathology investigations; and the use of interpreters.


RESULTS
Eighty of 103 patients had a referral letter; a positive correlation was found between the provision of a letter and the availability of the result of a critical investigation. Results were not available at the time of assessment for a third of the investigations. Interpreter use was inadequate.


CONCLUSIONS
The communication of information to specialists can be improved, and will help optimise the delivery of specialist services.
Graham
P H
PH
Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW.
D001315:Australia; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D012017:Referral and Consultation