Optimizing Communication with Consultants

In medicine, as in life, clear communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships and best patient outcomes. This is particularly important among primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists when working together in consultation for the benefit of patients. Effective communication between health-care providers is necessary to provide optimal coordinated care and to prevent discontinuity and fragmented care. It is helpful to know what PCPs most want from this interaction and what information they should share with their consultants to best achieve that goal. For specialists, it is likewise important to provide information in a manner that is clear and consistent with PCPs’ goals and concerns. Ideally, the consultation occurs in a timely manner and information is relayed promptly.

PCPs may want assistance with diagnosis and evaluation, or they may ask for help with the treatment/management of a patient. They may want more education for the patient or reinforcement of the information already provided. It is key for the specialist to know the reason for the consult or to be asked a specific clinical question to be able to address the issue efficiently. The PCP should succinctly summarize the question and problems specifically for the consultant. Challenges arise when a patient is sent to the specialist without the appropriate information: the specialist needs to be told what evaluation(s) and treatment(s) have been tried and any important historical background. The consultant should not have to wade through the medical record. Even with shared medical records, it may be difficult to discern the reason for the consult and impossible to know whether the PCP prefers that the specialist take over this aspect of care, …