How to Refer a Patient as a Junior Doctor: Lessons from Experience
- as per harry
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 16
After almost a year as a registrar, I can fully sympathise with how tricky referrals can be, especially for junior doctors or interns just starting out. Making a referral seems simple in theory, but in practice, it can feel like navigating a minefield of uncertainty, especially when you're juggling incomplete information and the pressure of hospital workflows.
Here’s the thing: when you’re referring a patient, the key is to synthesise everything about the patient’s case into a concise, clear summary. You’re essentially explaining the crux of why you’re calling – in just a few sentences. And trust me, that’s not always as easy as it sounds.
Why Clarity is Key
When you start rambling or going off on tangents, it gets messy. The person on the other end of the line might struggle to follow, and your main message can get lost. Sure, every detail about the patient might be relevant in the big picture, but not all of it is crucial for a 2–3 minute phone call.
The goal is to prioritise the essential details upfront:
Who you are
Where you’re calling from
Why you’re calling
The Basics of a Good Referral
Over the past year, I’ve made and received a lot of referral calls. Here’s what I’ve learned about what works and what doesn’t:
1. Start with the basics
Introduce yourself clearly and state why you’re calling. For example:
"Hi, I’m Harry, one of the surgical registrars. I’m calling about a patient for some phone advice . Do you have a spare 5 minutes to chat?"
This does two things:
It gives the other person context about who you are and what you need.
It respects their time. Everyone in the hospital is busy – they could be in the middle of scrubbing into surgery or halfway through a ward round. Asking if they’re available acknowledges that.
2. Get to the point
Once they’re engaged in the conversation, give a brief, structured summary of the patient. For example:
"The patient is a 26-year-old with CT proven appendicitis. We are planning on operating on them tomorrow morning. They’re also a Type 1 diabetic and I’m seeking advice on their insulin pump for pre-operative management"
Stick to the key issues that explain why the patient needs attention or advice.
3. Be prepared for pushback
Sometimes, the person you’re calling might not have time to help. That’s okay – it’s part of the process. For example, you might call radiology and say, "Do you mind having a quick look at this scan?" and they might respond, "Sorry, I’m too busy – just wait for the report." Respect that and move on and call back later.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
One of the most challenging parts of referrals is when the case isn’t straightforward – like when you don’t fully understand what’s going on with the patient. Maybe you’re dealing with a complex condition you’re unfamiliar with, and you don’t have a succinct one-liner summary ready to go.
Here’s what you can do in those situations:
Write down the crucial issues that justify the referral.
Focus on the main question your reg or consultant wants clarified.
Even if you don’t have all the answers, provide a clear starting point for the conversation.
Practice Makes Perfect
Honestly, referrals are one of those skills that get better with time. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. It’s all about repetition – quantity breeds quality.
Even now, I don’t get it perfect every time. But having been on the receiving end of a lot of referral calls, I can tell you this: most people aren’t expecting you to have all the answers. They just want to know three things:
Who are you?
Where are you calling from?
What do you need from me?
If you can nail those basics, the rest will follow.
Referrals are hard – no doubt about it. For junior doctors, especially interns working in the emergency department or wards for the first time, it can be intimidating to pick up the phone and make that call. But with practice, it gets easier.
So, if you’re new to this and struggling, know that you’re not alone. Keep it clear, concise, and respectful, and you’ll get there.
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