Improving the referrer and patient discussion

The quality of the one-to-one discussion between the referrer and the patient prior to submitting the referral is vitally important in the process of turning the referral into attendance/registration.

You could film a discussion and share with your referrers for guidance.

During the one-to-one, consider discussing the following points:

• An overview of content – for example, what happens in the body with diabetes, lifestyle choices such as food and activity, and action planning.

• Remember to include details of the different modes of delivery - groups in person or virtual, MyDESMOND etc. Also include how many/how long the sessions are, how many participants will be in each group, where and when sessions are held

• A description of the style of delivery – friendly, informal, non-didactic

• Emphasise that it is an informal group session

• The benefits of attending/registering – linking to the evidence

• Very importantly, that it is a treatment that you/the referrer is recommending for them

• Next steps – letter or phone call from administrator, approximate wait time

The role of structured education as a form of treatment is becoming more readily used and to support this concept, you could use faux-FP10 prescription form to ‘prescribe’ education, which can be cashed in when patient goes to the session or it could include the contact telephone number to call to organise their ‘educational treatment’.

Any discussion should be backed up by handing out a leaflet and detailing what will happen next. You can make this easier for the GP if this is downloadable from their system.