How to Write an OET Referral Letter

Writing an OET (Occupational English Test) referral letter is an essential skill for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who aim to work in English-speaking environments. A well-written referral letter is essential for effective communication and ensuring continuity of patient care.

A well-written nursing letter OET writing sample ensures continuity of patient care and facilitates effective communication.

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What is an OET Referral Letter

An OET referral is a written request from a healthcare professional to another healthcare professional or healthcare provider to diagnose or treat a specific illness. It is an important line of communication between primary and secondary care, conveying details of a patient with complaints and medical history to the receiving physician/office, and enabling a smooth transition of care as usually the only legal entry from the general clinic All relevant information should be included.

An OET referral serves to transfer sensitive patient information from one healthcare professional to another. This ensures that the specialist is fully aware of the patient’s condition and the reason for the referral. Effective OET documentation by nurses supports high standards of care and facilitates smooth transitions between health professionals.

Other nurses and physicians may need to prepare an OET recommendation in various circumstances:

When a patient’s condition requires knowledge or resources beyond the current capacity of the health care provider
To facilitate timely access to out-of-area primary care or treatment
When a patient needs to transition from one healthcare setting to another, such as inpatient care to outpatient or rehabilitative care
Where adjustments or a second opinion or consultation with a specialist are needed to confirm the diagnosis
Documentation and appropriate transmission for insurance purposes or healthcare professional needs

Sample 2:

QUESTION 2

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

You are the school nurse at Toohey Point Primary State School.

Today’s Date – 07/03/2020

PATIENT DETAILS:

Name: Alison Cooper
Year 5 student
DOB: 14/6/2002
Height:138cm
Weight:40 kg; Overweight for her age
Eczema outbreaks on hands and mild asthma — has ventolin inhaler
No other significant illnesses
Youngest in her class

SOCIAL HISTORY

Father died in a motor accident 18 months ago.
Lives with mother, a bank manager, working full time
Middle child- brother, Simon, aged 7 and sister, Lisa, aged 12
Paternal grandmother lives near school – provides after school and holiday care – looks after children if unwell

SCHOOL MEDICAL RECORD

Regular absences from school dating back to time of father’s death
Year 2: 3 days
Year 3: 4 days
Year 4: 10 days
Year 5: 8 days in first term

School Health Centre Records
2020
February 8:
● Complained of headache. Gave paracetamol, rested and returned to class.
● Noted eczema on hands red and weepy – has ointment at home.
February 16: Complained of stomach ache. Called grandmother for pick up.
February 22: Complained of aching legs. Called grandmother for pick up.
March 4:
● Complained of headache. Gave paracetamol, rested | hour, still had a headache.
● Called grandmother for pickup.
March 6: Feeling nauseous – eczema on hands red and weepy. Called grandmother for
pick up.

2019
February 15: Complained of toothache. Called grandmother for pick up.
April 4: Complained of headache. Gave paracetamol – rested 1 hour.
May 14: Headache, eczema on hands red and weepy, rested | hour not better called grandmother for pick up.
July 25: Feeling nauseous. Called grandmother for pick up.
August 16: Slight fever. Called grandmother for pick-up.
September 22: Feeling unwell. Eczema is irritating; Called grandmother for pick up.

October 23: Complained of stomach ache. Rested 1 hour, returned to class.
November 27: Complained of headache. Gave paracetamol, rested 30 minutes.

SOCIAL HISTORY

Alison started school well but since Grade 3 has had trouble concentrating – rarely participates in class activities unless encouraged. Avoids sporting activities — the standard of her school work is declining. Has few friends and is often teased by her classmates about eczema & weight. Embarrassed about hands which don’t seem to be
responding well to ointment suggested by the chemist.

Mother was contacted by the class teacher regarding these issues. Says Alison is also becoming withdrawn at home. Alison was very close to her father – often talks to her about him and cries because she misses him. Seeks comfort in food like chips and cakes after school.

PLAN

Refer her to the school psychologist to find out whether Alison has underlying grief related or other psychological problems.

WRITING TASK

Using the information in the case notes, write a letter to refer this girl to the school psychologist, Barnaby Webster, to assess her. Outline the purpose of the referral.
Provide details of significant factors which will assist the psychologist to make this assessment.

SAMPLE RESPONSE

Mr Barnaby Webster
School Psychologist
07 March 2020

Dear Mr Webster,

Re: Alison Cooper
D.0.B : 14 June 2002

I am writing to refer Alison, who requires psychological assessment and further management. She is suspected to have underlying grief related or other psychological problems following her father’s demise.

Alison is a year 5 student who started her school well. Since Grade 3, her academic performance is declining and her school record shows regular absences. She has had trouble concentrating and is very reluctant to join in any school activities unless persuaded. Apart from that, she has eczema on her hands which is not responding well
to the treatment as well as she is overweight for her age. She has few friends and is often teased by her peers regarding her eczema and for being overweight.

Alison lives with her mother, who is working full-time as a bank manager, and siblings. Her father died18 months ago. Her grandmother looks after the children on holidays and when they are unwell.

Alison’s teacher contacted her mother due to her situation and mother states that Alison is even withdrawn at home. Alison often talks regarding her father, who she was very close to, and cries as she misses him. She finds comfort in chips and cakes after school.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could evaluate her condition and provide appropriate assistance.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
School Nurse
Toohey Point Primary State School