3 OET letter types in the OET writing module?

3 OET letter types in the OET writing module?

In OET writing section you need to plan and write letter to another healthcare professional the scenario will be based on real life healthcare situation this letter should include a detailed information of patients. Information like patients’ past medical history, family details, current medical situation and a brief explanation for purpose of writing the letter.

In most hospital, nurses and junior staff are responsible to write such letter with less to no help from senior staff. Please note that this letter will be base for other healthcare professional to provide further treatment to patient, so clarity of information should be given utmost attention. This makes equally important for nurses to be thorough with writing letter in OET exam as accessor will checking the details of information provided in the letter. 

There are basically 3 types of letter commonly asked in OET writing test.

1. Referral Letter: A temporary transfer of patients to some other doctor or hospital for a specific treatment. 
2. Transfer Letter: A permanent transfer of patients to other hospital or department for treatment.
3. Discharge Letter: A letter is provided to patient at the time of releasing from hospital after treatment, which includes all treatment details of patient.

Most of the content in the above letters remain same, candidates are required to communicate essential information between primary and secondary healthcare, giving the receiving clinician/department a detailed information about patient’s medical background and regarding the purpose of writing the letter. 

In above cases the conclusion will differ as it will explain the further treatment that is required to be provided to patient by recipient healthcare center. In case of discharge letter, the clinical report and its details will be mentioned. 

When to use ‘refer’.

‘Refer’ is used when a patient is referred to another doctor or healthcare center for first time. It makes no sense in English to use ‘refer’ when we reply back to a referred letter. So, it is Important to understand the situation in question and to whom the letter has to be written.