Mastering the OET Referral Letter: A Guide for Nurses

In the OET Writing sub-test, the referral letter is not just a test of your English grammar; it is a clinical communication task that evaluates your ability to prioritize information. For a nurse, the hallmark of a high-scoring letter is conciseness and relevance.

1. The Power of a Clear Purpose

The very first paragraph must tell the reader exactly why they are receiving this letter. If the purpose is buried or vague, the reader (and the examiner) will lose clarity.

  • Drafting Tip: Start with a strong lead-in such as: "I am writing to refer Mr. Smith, a 65-year-old patient, into your care for urgent assessment and management of..."
  • Prioritization: If the patient requires immediate intervention, this must be stated in the introduction to signal its importance.

2. Selection: The "Need to Know" vs. "Nice to Know"

Case notes often contain a wealth of information—family history, old social habits, or past surgeries that may have no bearing on the current medical issue.

  • The Filter Test: For every piece of information, ask yourself: "Does the recipient need this specific detail to begin treatment today?"
  • Be Ruthless: If the patient is being referred for a fractured hip, their childhood asthma history is likely irrelevant.

3. Professional Tone and Documentation

As a healthcare professional, your tone must be formal, objective, and precise.

  • Objective Language: Instead of writing "The patient is feeling much better," use terms like "The patient's symptoms have significantly subsided."
  • Logical Flow: Organize your letter into thematic paragraphs—Current Presentation, Relevant Past Medical History, and The Request.

4. Managing the 180-200 Word Limit

One of the most common reasons students fail to achieve a Grade B is exceeding the word limit by including "fluff."

  • Avoid Repetition: Do not repeat the patient's age or address in the body if they are already in the "Patient Details" section.
  • Focus on the Goal: Stick to the 180-200 word range to ensure critical clinical information is communicated clearly.