The American Animal Hospital Association has issued guidelines establishing the concepts, roles, timelines and client communication strategies for patient referrals.
The authors noted, “A well-ordered and smooth referral process can increase client satisfaction, improve patient outcomes and maintain mutually beneficial professional relationships.”
The guidelines emphasize a family-centered care approach focusing on patients and clients through consistent collaboration between the primary and specialty care teams.
The guide’s educational sections include:
- Referral roles and key concepts
- Client conversations before a referral
- Responsibilities before, during and after one
- Team optimization
- Teleconsultation to enhance access to care
- Avoiding common pitfalls
The guidelines also provide a timeline and step-by-step advice to help veterinarians navigate a hands-on referral. The steps include:
- The primary care team member communicates with the client about the reason for the referral, the patient care goals, expectations, the potential costs and the overall process.
- The specialty care team provides accessible, up-to-date information on cost estimates and how to refer patients.
- If the referral is urgent, the primary care team directly contacts the specialty team.
- The specialty team updates the primary care team during the care and provides a discharge report.
- The patient returns to the primary care team, although the specialty team might continue treating the referred condition.
The document, available at bit.ly/42d1VYk, includes a template for a referral report.