Table 1 Recommendations for Communication
Patient as the focus of communication | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time of referral - Primary Care Provider | Scheduling procedure - Central Intake or consultant’s office | Day of colonoscopy - Endoscopist | Post-procedure - Endoscopist |
Step 1: Identify reason for referral and confirm reason is an indication for referral | Step 1: Schedule procedure or consultation appointment | Step 1: Review informed consent and answer any questions | Step 1: Review findings and determine patient follow-up for any clinically significant findings from pathology report (that will arrive later) Inform provider and patient of findings and recommendations |
Step 2: Identify care pathway, i.e., direct to scope or consultation with the endoscopist | Step 2: Provide written information to patient about colonoscopy benefits and risks and specific bowel preparation Provide copy of consent form Provide supplemental web and/or video information if available | Step 2: Complete colonoscopy procedure | Step 2: Clarify responsibility for arranging recommended follow-up (including recommended repeat colonoscopy) – primary care provider, endoscopist, and /or patient. |
Step 3: Review recommendation with patient including reason for referral and care pathway Provide written, patient-friendly information about colonoscopy, risks and benefits, and preparation for colonoscopy or about consultation with specialist | Step 3: Confirm appointment about one week in advance of date Provide information concerning cancellation and resources for questions about preparation and procedure as well as a reminder to patient to review information | Step 3: Provide written information about findings to patient and forward report to primary care provider; information includes comments about samples sent to pathology Inform patient and provider about recommended follow-up that may be modified based on any significant pathology findings Schedule follow-up appointment, if necessary | Â |
Step 4: Obtain patient consent for referral | Â | Step 4: Provide post-procedure instructions in writing to patient and person accompanying the patient | Â |
Step 5: Complete standard referral form identifying priority or urgency Document any special patient-specific needs (e.g., travel, language, other assistance) | Â | Â | Â |