Effective Communication: How Nutritionists Should Write to General Practitioners
Maintaining open and effective communication with medical professionals
Maintaining open and effective communication between nutritionists and general practitioners (GPs) is essential for the well-being and safety of clients. It not only ensures the best possible care for the individual but also helps establish credibility and foster collaboration within the healthcare community.
In this post, I will discuss a step-by-step guide on how you can optimise your communication skills with GPs when referring clients for blood testing. By following these guidelines, like myself, you will build an effective professional relationship and facilitate better patient care.
Use a Professional Letter Format:
When writing to a GP, you should adopt a professional letter format to convey your message clearly and efficiently. Include your branded letterhead with contact details and credentials. Address the GP by their professional title (e.g., Dr. [Last Name]) rather than using their first name. Ensure the letter is well-organised, concise, and to the point, aiming to keep the letter to 1 page.
Start with a Clear Introduction:
Begin the letter with a brief introduction that clearly states the purpose of the referral. For example, mention that the patient has approached you for nutritional assessment and recommendations to address specific symptoms that impact their quality of life. Emphasise that you are referring the patient to the GP for further investigations.
Provide Brief but Relevant Background Information:
Include a concise paragraph that summarises the work you have conducted with the patient so far. Highlight any dietary optimisation efforts and explain why further investigations are necessary. For instance, mention specific concerns such as iron metabolism or any other relevant nutrient insufficiencies that you have identified through dietary analysis that require medical or nutritional intervention.
Specify Recommended Blood Tests:
List the specific blood tests you recommend for the patient. Be clear and precise about the tests you believe are essential for evaluating the patient's nutritional status. Common examples may include a complete/full blood count (CBC/FBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), vitamin and mineral panel, lipid profile, and thyroid function tests. This clarity will help the GP understand the specific tests you consider crucial for further assessment.
Be Mindful of Language and Scope of Practice:
It is important to use language that respects the scope of practice of each profession. Avoid providing a diagnosis or listing conditions you suspect the client may have. Instead, focus on explaining the client's symptoms and the need for proper assessment and medical intervention, if required. Refrain from discussing medications unless seeking support to monitor progress while supporting specific aspects such as cholesterol or blood sugar metabolism.
Use Medically Recognised Terminology:
To maintain credibility and facilitate better understanding, it is advisable to use clinically recognised terminology when describing symptoms or conditions. Avoid using terms like candida or SIBO, as they may not be readily appreciated by GPs. Instead, rely on widely recognised symptoms such as blood or mucous in the stool, bloating, indigestion, or constipation.
Keep Supporting Materials Concise:
While research articles play an important role in informing your practice, avoid overwhelming GPs with an abundance of research papers. They may not have the time to review extensive scientific literature. Instead, make a note of relevant research papers for your own reference and provide concise summaries or key points if necessary.
Conclusion:
Effective communication between nutritionists and GPs is crucial for providing comprehensive care to clients.
Remember to maintain a professional tone, focus on relevant information, and use language that respects each profession's scope of practice. By doing so, you as a holistic practitioner will be able to foster collaborative relationships with GPs that contribute to the overall well-being of their clients.