Lang, M; Selvadurai, T; Zakrzewska, JM; (2016) Referrals to a facial pain service. British Dental Journal , 220 (7) pp. 345-348. 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.262.

Preview	Text Zakrzewska_Lang Referrals Facial Pain Service + tables BDJ.pdf - Accepted Version Download (244kB) | Preview
Preview	Image Zakrzewska_Figure 1 Referrals Lang.jpg - Accepted Version Download (29kB) | Preview

Abstract

AIM: To assess the quality of referral letters to a facial pain service and highlight the key requirements of such letters. METHOD: The source of all referral letters to the service for five years was established. For one year the information provided in 94 referrals was assessed. Using a predetermined checklist of essential information the referral letters were compared to these set criteria. RESULTS: The service received 7,001 referrals and, on average, general dental practitioners (GDPs) referred 303 more patients per year than general medical practitioners (GMPs). Seventy-one percent of all referrals were from primary care practitioners, the rest were from specialists. Over 70% of GMP and 52% of GDP letters included a past medical history, with GMPs more likely to suggest a possible diagnosis and include previous secondary care referrals. The mean score for GMP referrals compared to the standard proforma (maximum of 12) was 5.6 and for GDP referrals 5.0. A relevant drug history was included by 75.6% GMP compared to 38.7% of GDPs. GMPs were more likely to include any relevant mental health history. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of referral letters is low which makes it difficult for the specialists to provide robust treatment plans.

Download activity - last month

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item