Module 5: Monitoring and Evaluation

Lesson 4

Referrals

Referral sources

Referral of the patient may be necessary when the complexity of the condition goes beyond the level of the legislated scope of practice of the clinician or his or her knowledge, skills and abilities. Potential people to refer to may include NPs, physicians, pharmacists, PT, OT, social workers, psychologists, and spiritual care providers in specialty areas such as addictions, chronic pain, sleep disorders, psychiatry, or paediatrics.

The documentation should summarize the patient’s current health status, level and issues of engagement with treatment plans, the clinician’s reason for continuing or changing a regimen, reasons for the referral to another health care professional, and any modifications of the goals.