Are written responses to referrals acceptable?
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《英国医生杂志》
EDITOR—Mohammed wonders whether other doctors and haematologists might be concerned about giving written advice about leucopenia and polycythemia. The brevity of the article meant that we could not give fuller details. For example, a referral letter for leucopenia was received in which we established that the most likely reason was racial origin (people of African ancestry have lower mean neutrophil counts than white people). A referral for polycythemia was clearly related to chronic hypoxia secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I did not believe that haematological intervention was required in either case.
Fisher worries that a flood of written referrals would overwhelm the system and make patients endure the anxiety of an outpatient visit. I think that our article is about precisely this: a method for encouraging not discouraging referrals, but with the understanding that we will respond in writing if appropriate.
Fisher also wonders about a telephone system of advice. We operate this as well: general practitioners and other hospital doctors can seek advice at any time. This will be highly appropriate in many cases. However, it is helpful in many cases to take time to assess all the results, examine the blood film, and then respond. This is better done after receipt of a letter.
Fisher worries that a flood of written referrals would overwhelm the system and make patients endure the anxiety of an outpatient visit. I think that our article is about precisely this: a method for encouraging not discouraging referrals, but with the understanding that we will respond in writing if appropriate.
Fisher also wonders about a telephone system of advice. We operate this as well: general practitioners and other hospital doctors can seek advice at any time. This will be highly appropriate in many cases. However, it is helpful in many cases to take time to assess all the results, examine the blood film, and then respond. This is better done after receipt of a letter.