MDU advice

MDU members working in general practice may find the following tips helpful:

In line with the GMC's Good medical practice, doctors should continue to refer a patient to another practitioner when this serves the patient's needs.
When you are involving another healthcare professional in a patient's care, they should be provided with all of the relevant information. Attaching computerised patient summaries can be helpful, but make sure the information included is relevant to your request or referral. Be as clear as you can be about the question you're asking.
As well as seeking advice on a particular condition and/or treatment plan, A&G services can be used to discuss abnormal test results, the appropriateness of a referral or to find out the most clinically appropriate service to refer to.
If you intend to use an A&G service, make sure the patient understands what this will entail. The patient should know who is responsible for their overall care and who to contact if they have questions or concerns.
Responsibility for the patient remains with the healthcare professional using the A&G service unless a decision to refer is made.
Familiarise yourself with the process at your place of work for checking a response has been received from the A&G service. If you submit an A&G request and anticipate you will not be available to view the response in a timely manner, ensure there is a system in place whereby a colleague will receive the response and take any necessary action.
If you do make a referral, discuss with the patient the possibility they may be offered a non-face-to-face consultation with the hospital specialist and there may be delays in restarting routine elective activity at the hospital.

Advice and Guidance Service in general practice

Dr John Dale-Skinner

Advice and Guidance Service in general practice