An Example of a Referral Statement in Allied Health Practice

Introduction

• Understanding the Referral Statement
• The Example

Within allied health practice, a "referral statement" or "referral letter", helps clinicians collaborate and provide patient-centric care. It serves as a conduit for seamless communication between allied health professionals, offering invaluable insights into a client's needs, goals, and progress. Let's delve into the essence of a referral statement and explore an example.

Understanding the Referral Statement

A referral statement in the context of allied health practice is a concise yet comprehensive document crafted by one allied health professional to recommend a client to another. It encapsulates important information about the client's condition, treatment history, and specific requirements, ensuring continuity of care and informed decision-making for the receiving professional. Essentially, it serves as a bridge between different facets of care, facilitating collaboration and optimising outcomes for the client.

The Example

Consider the following example of a referral statement from a physiotherapist to a speech therapist for a client with dysphagia:

Kindly note that this information was fabricated solely for the purposes of this article.

Referral Statement Example:

Dear [Speech Therapist's Name],

I am writing to refer my client, [Client's Name], to you for further evaluation and management of dysphagia. [Client's Name] is a [age]-year-old individual who was recently diagnosed with dysphagia secondary to [underlying condition]. As [his/her] treating physiotherapist, I have observed [his/her] difficulties with swallowing, including coughing and choking episodes during meals, as well as reports of food getting stuck in [his/her] throat.

Despite undergoing a course of dysphagia rehabilitation with me, [Client's Name] continues to experience challenges with oral intake and demonstrates signs of aspiration risk. Given the complex nature of [his/her] condition and the potential impact on [his/her] nutritional status and overall well-being, I believe that [his/her] case warrants a comprehensive assessment by a speech therapist specialising in dysphagia management.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you require any additional information or wish to discuss [Client's Name]'s case further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards, [Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Contact Information]

In this example, the referral statement serves as a comprehensive overview of the client's condition, treatment history, and specific concerns, providing the receiving speech therapist with essential information to guide their assessment and intervention planning. It underscores the collaborative nature of allied health practice and highlights the importance of seamless communication in delivering holistic patient care.

By utilising Everbility, an AI documentation assistant designed specifically for allied health professionals, practitioners can easily produce referral letters. With Everbility's user-friendly interface and advanced functionalities, allied health professionals can simplify the creation of referral letters, leading to improved outcomes and empowering clients to reach their health and wellness objectives.