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    Assessment Criteria –WRITING

     Your writing will be rated by at least 2 assessors who will use the criteria below to determine your writing level. Thereforestudy this information carefully so that you can develop the skills to write at A or B level.

    Category Strategy Self AssessmentOverall Task Fulllment

    • Always aim to write between!"#$2## words. %hort lettersdon&t allow you enough sentencesto demonstrate your ability. 'ongletters may mean you have notsummarised or focussed on themain issue.

    • (ead the task )uestion carefully*

    and make sure your letter has aclear focus. As a rule* recent casehistory is more important thanolder case history.

    • %tate the purpose of the letterclearly in the introduction andfocus on important informationand minimise less relevant detail.

    • +ake your conclusion specic to

    the situation

    • ,se your own words as much aspossible - don&t simply copysections from the case notes.

    • s the letter of the re)uired length/

    • 0as your letter responded to thetask )uestion/

    • 1oes your letter focus on theimportant points such as chiefcomplaint* your main concern*important social factors and reason

    for writing/

    • s the language in your letteroriginal/

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    omprehension of %timulus

    • (ead the information carefullyand plan the content of the letterbefore beginning to write. !3minutes planning and 23 minutes

    writing is a good model.

    • 1on&t let the main issue becomehidden by including too muchsupporting detail.

    • Base your letter from today&sperspective. That means* includeall the relevant history* but insummary form* eliminate lessimportant detail and focus your

    attention on the current situation.

    • %how clearly the connectionsbetween information in the casenotes if these are made4 however*do not add information that is notgiven in the notes.

    • 0ave the key points beenmentioned and groupedappropriately/

    • 0ave you identied andemphasised the reason for writingthe letter.

    • 0ave you selected relevantinformation and omitted non5relevant information/

    Appropriateness of 'anguage

    • Organise the information clearly

    into paragraphs. (emember* these)uence of information in thecase notes may not be the mostappropriate se)uence ofinformation for your letter.

    • s the letter organised into

    paragraphs/

    • s the information logicallypresented/

    • s the e6pression of suitable

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    • Always keep in mind the reasonfor writing - don&t 7ust addinformation randomly.

    • Avoid informal and casuale6pression and maintain a formaltone.

    • 1o not overuse medicalterminology includingabbreviations and acronyms

    formality/

    • s the vocabulary and e6pression of a suitable standard/

    • 0ave the abbreviations andacronyms been written in full/

    ontrol of 'inguistic Features

    • %how that you can use languageaccurately and 8e6ibly in your

    writing.

    • 9nsure you use correct verb tenseand form as this an essentialre)uirement

    • +ake sure you demonstrate arange of language structures -use compound and comple6sentences as well as simplesentences.

    • ,se connecting words andphrases to link ideas togetherclearly e.g. however* therefore* atthat time.

    • s your grammar of su:cientstandard/ ;ey areas are<

    o =erb usage

    o %entence structure

    o Article usage

    o >ord form

    • +ore than 3$? errors in the letterwill reduce your chance of getting aB grade or higher.

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    ontrol of @resentation Features

    • Follow standard letter format forreferral letters

    • ,se correct punctuation includingcommas and capital letters appropriately

    • heck for spelling mistakes andfor spelling consistency throughyour writing e.g. misspelling thepatients name is not good

    • Organise the letter into clearparagraphs and leave a blank line

    between paragraphs to show theoverall structure of the letter.

    • s the letter formattedappropriately/

    • s the punctuation correct/

    • 0ave you used capitals correctly/

    • Are there a lot of spelling errors/

    Writing Sub-Test Overview The writing sub5test is usually a letter of referral but it may also be a letter re)uesting or giving advice. andidates are givenpatient case notes and sometimes other information along with task instructions. The test procedure is as follows<

    !. 3 minutes reading time* during which you can not take notes or underline any details

    2. C# minutes to read the task and write your letter in a booklet provided. You can use pen or pencil.

     You can e6pect the stimulus material to be between 2 D E pages long* and include social history* medical history andordischarge plan. +ost tasks will re)uire you to identify the important aspects of the history D discharge and summarise thisinto letter format. The common formats used by O9T include

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    • 1ischarge to a community nurse< focus on medical history and on going care re)uired

    • 1ischarge to social worker< focus on social factors rather than medical details. ,se lay language rather than technical 7argon

     Transfer to palliative care< focus on medical history and on going care re)uired

    •  Transfer to patients home< use lay language rather than technical 7argon

    • @sychiatric condition< focus on social factors D behavioural problems and issues

    • 'etter to a doctor< focus on medical history and medication

     The important point is to always read the task )uestion carefully and respond appropriately.

    Hany Hint

    1o not 7ust summarise the medical history. Always consider what the referred to person needs to know and what they will dowith information. The social factors are sometimes very signicant* hence the need for ongoing care* and are included tomake the task more comple6 and challenging for the candidate.

    Tas! Ty"es

    #etter Ty"e C$ief Com"laint % &ur"ose of  Writing

    Com"li'ating fa'tors in 'ase notes

    • (eferral to ommunity 0ome aresocial worker

    • +yasthenia gravis patient   • Go family support

    • 1etailed discharge plan

    • annot use medical terminology

    • (eferral to hild 0ealth Gurse   • 1ischarge of child   • omple6 social factors

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    • On going care

    • 'anguage barrier

    • (eferral to admitting doctor in9mergency 1epartment

    • hest @ain   • %ignicant medical history

    • ,rgent case

    • (eferral to 0ospice HpalliativecareI

    •  Terminal cancer   • (e)uests no further treatment

    • 1etailed medical history

    • (eferral to school psychiatrist   • Behavioural problems in childsince death of father

    • %ocial factors leading topsychiatric problems

    • Focus on social not medical history

    • 'etter of advice to parents   • %on discharging home after afracture

    • 'etter of advice not referral

    • %ummarise treatment procedure

    • (eferral to nutritionist   • 1ietary re)uirements of patient   • %ocio5economic situation ofpatient

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    • 1etailed medical history

    • (eferral to J@   • 1iabetes   • %ocio5economic situation ofpatient

    • 1etailed medical D social history

    • (eferral to physiotherapist   • (ehabilitation after fall   • 1etailed medical history

    • %ocial situation

    • (eferral to 'actation onsultant   • Baby not feeding well   • omple6 social factors of mother

    • (eferral to @ost5Operative areentre

    • 1ischarge after eye operation   • 1etailed medication history

    How to a""roa'$ t$e tas! >hat you need to do is spend time planning your letter carefully before writing. advise !#$!3 minutes of planning* whichstill allows 23$E# minutes to write the letter. A good strategy is<

    !. (ead the task )uestion rst

    2. (ead the most recent information to understand patient&s current conditionsituation. Always focus your writing on themain problem and any connected information. gnore unrelated information as these have been put in the case notesto distract the reader.

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    E. (ead the history to identify trends in medical condition* treatment* medication etc.

    C. Bring a highlight pen on test day and highlight related points with the same colour pen to help you summarise andgroup the information

    3. On test day write with a pencil so that you can erase any mistakes

    K. A format which will t most scenarios is as follows<

    o ntroduction< ncluding purpose of writing and chief complaint in brief 

    o Body @aragraph !< @atient social history

    o Body @aragraph 2< @atient medical history

    o Body @aragraph E< 1ischarge plan or your main concern in detail

    o onclusion< oncluding re)uest specic to the task

    Note: Body paragraphs 2 & 3 can be interchanged depending on the task.

    &lanningAsk yourself the following )uestions when reading the case notes<

    o >ho am writing to/

    o >hat information do they need to know/

    o >hat information do they not need to know/

    o >hat is the chief complaintcurrent condition or purpose of the letter/

    o Are there any signicant social factors which need to be mentioned/

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    o >hat information can be grouped together/

    Introu'tions

     There are a variety of ways to write introductions and with practice you can develop a formula that works for you. For the

    purpose of this document* the opening salutation and sub7ect will be included as part of the introduction.

    Salutation< f the name of the person is included in the case notes then it should be used. This can be followed by either acomma or full colon.

    o 1ear 1r. >ilson*

    o 1ear 1r. >ilson<

    f the name of person is not mentioned then you can begin with %ir+adam

    o 1ear %ir+adam*

    Sub(e't< The sub7ect is a place where information such as the name D age of the patient can be included. This can save youwords in the body of the letter* but be careful not include too much information here* and denitely no phrases or sentences.Both (e D (9 are acceptable.

    o (e< 1ylan harles 1.O.B. #C!22##L

    o (9< 1ylan harles 1.O.B. #C!22##L

    Handy Tip 1 You can save on word length by added some detail after (e* such as the patient name and age. 0owever* take care not towrite too much here* and always use note form i.e nouns only Hno articles* verbs* ad7ectivesI

    Basically* the introductory sentence of the letter can contain the following<

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    )* Background information such as name* age* occupation* marital status and gender of the patient if relevant and notmentioned in the sub7ect line

    +* A brief summary of the chief complaint* purpose of writing or your main concern

    t will usually be only ! or 2 sentences long and detailed information about the patients history and condition should go inthe main body of the letter*

    Im"ortant Grammar Rules

     The important patterns to learn are as follows<,am"le )Relative Clauses. A relative clause is a useful sentence structure to use in the introduction. t allows the write todemonstrate the ability to write a comple6 sentence* which is a basic necessity to get B grade of higher.

    !. am writing to refer this patient. 0e is due to be discharged today. 0e has made a full recovery.

    2. am writing to refer this patient who is due to be discharged today after making a full recovery.

    ,am"le +A""ositives< This is a noun or a noun phrase that is placed after another noun to e6plain or identify it* and a comma isre)uired to separate these nouns. t has a very important use in the introductory sentence of referral letters as in thee6ample below.

    !. am writing to refer +r. Barry Booth. 0e is K" years old. 0e is a pensioner. 0e is a widower. 0e re)uires dietary adviceafter undergoing heart surgery.

    2. am writing to refer +r. Barry Booth* a K"5year5old widowed pensioner who re)uires dietary advice after undergoing

    heart surgery.

    ,am"le /Age< There are specic rules regarding how to refer to a patients age. The rst is that it must be hyphenated when usedbefore a noun such as manwoman* and the second is that an article is re)uired. For more details refer to  Year =s Years in theJrammar and =ocabulary linic.

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    In'orre't Corre't

    • am writing to refer this patient* a KE years old manwho lives alone.

    • am writing to refer this patient* KE years old man wholives alone.

    M am writing to refer this patient* a KE5year5old man wholives alone.M am writing to refer this patient who is KE years old andlives alone.

    Handy Tip 2+astery of the patterns above will ensure that you start your letter on a positive note.

    Sam"le Introu'tions

    Introu'tion Analysis

    1ear +s. Attard*

    (e< +s. (obyn 0arwood1OB< #C#2!LC"

    am writing to re)uest daily home visits by the Blue Gurses toprovide care and support for this patient* a K!5year5old widowwho lives on her own.

    • 1oes not include patient name as this is clearly statedin the sub7ect line

    • ,ses relative clause and appositive sentence structureswhich demonstrate ability to use comple6 sentences

    • %tates purpose of writing clearly

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< +r. 0enry O&;eefe

    am writing to re)uest aged care assistance for +r. O&;eefe*an "E5year5old man who is recovering from a malignantmelanoma in his left shoulder.

    • ncludes shorter for a patient name as full name stated

    in the sub7ect line

    • ,ses appositive and relative clause sentence structurewhich demonstrates ability to use comple6 sentences

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    • %tates both purpose of writing and chief complaint

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< +r. Bill O& (iley

    am writing with regard to +r. O&(iley* a 3E5year5old man whowas admitted the hospital on the 2nd of %eptember anddiagnosed with obstructive coronary artery disease. 0eunderwent a coronary artery bypass graft on the Cth of%eptember.

    • ncludes shorter for a patient name as full name statedin the sub7ect line

    • ,ses appositive and relative clause sentence structurewhich demonstrates ability to use comple6 sentences

    • %ummarises chief complaint and treatment

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< +rs. arol Bradley

    am writing to re)uest a respite admission for this patient* aC!5year5old married mother of two who has been receivingpersonal care from our organisation over the last two months.

    • 1oes not include patient name as this is clearly statedin the sub7ect line

    • ncludes relevant biographical detail< age* maritalstatus* mother

    • ,ses relative clause and appositive sentence structureswhich demonstrate ability to use comple6 sentences

    • %tates purpose of writing clearly and summarisesrecent history

    1ear @arents<

    (e< Outbreak of headlice

    am writing to inform you of a recent outbreak of headlice at+t Jravatt @rimary %chool. Although headlice spread easilyand cause several symptoms of itchiness and discomfort* they

    • @urpose of writing stated clearly in the sub7ect line

    • nforms parents of main problem

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    are easy to diagnose and treat.

    • %ummarises symptoms and treatment brie8y

    1ear +rs. +ac1onald*

    (e< Gasser Ali1OB< #C#2K2

    am writing to refer this patient who was admitted to ouroronary are ,nit ten days ago with the diagnosis ofmyocardial infarction. A cardiac artery bypass graft was done*followed by post5 operative treatment and physiotherapy. +r.Ali&s condition has now stabiliNed and he is being dischargedtoday.

    • 1oes not include patient name or age as this is clearlystated in the sub7ect line

    • %tates purpose of writing clearly and summarisesrecent history

    • %ummarises chief complaint and treatment and currentcondition

    • ,ses relative clause structure which demonstrateability to use comple6 sentences

    1ear 1r. Thompson*

    (e< +s. Amber >atson1OB< 23#E!LL!

    am writing to re)uest further testing and contraceptiveadvice for this patient* an !"5year5old single woman whopresented to our clinic for a @ap test on !Kth +ay.

    • 1oes not include patient name or age as this is clearlystated in the sub7ect line

    • %tates purpose of writing clearly

    • ,ses relative clause and appositive structures whichdemonstrate ability to use comple6 sentences

    Common ,rrors

    In'orre't Corre't

    1ear +s. ones* 1ear +s. ones*

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    (e< +r. Adrian 'amp1OB< !#!#!LCL

    am writing to refer +r Adrian 'amp to you* an K!5year5oldwidower. 0e is due to be discharged today. 0e has made a full

    recovery from chest congestion.,"lanation. Go grammatical errors* but it lackssophistication in the use of simple sentences. Also* it repeatsthe patient name in full which is not necessary and repetitivesince it was written directly above in the sub7ect line.

    (e< +r. Adrian 'amp1OB< !#!#!LCL

    am writing to refer this patient to you* a K!5year5old widowerwho is due to be discharged today after making a full

    recovery from chest congestion.

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< Beryl %aunders

     Thank you for admitting +rs. %aunders* an "#5year5olddementia patient*re)uires respite care for a period of twomonths.,"lanation< (elative pronoun re)uired. 

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< Beryl %aunders

     Thank you for admitting +rs. %aunders* an "#5year5olddementia patient who re)uires respite care for a period of twomonths.

    1ear +rs. %mith*

    am writing in regards of Annette +acGamara * single* agepensioner* re)uesting your assistance when she dischargedfrom this hospital today.,"lanation< %everal errors in terms of sentence structureand grammar.

    1ear +rs. %mith*

    am writing in regards of Annette +acGamara * a single agepensioner who will re)uire your assistance when shedischarges from hospital today.or am writing to re)uest assistance for Annette +acGamara * asingle age pensioner who is due to be discharged from thishospital today.

    1ear 1octor*

    (e< +rs 1iana Atherton

    am writing to refer +rs Atherton* an ?? year old woman whois a resident at the %andy Beach (etirement =illage* who

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< +rs 1iana Atherton

    am writing to refer +rs Atherton* a ??5year5old woman whois a resident at the %andy Beach (etirement =illage. %he

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    needs urgent admission to your hospital due to chest pain.,"lanation< ncorrect sentence structure with two relativeclauses.

    needs urgent admission to your hospital due to chest pain.or am writing to refer +rs Atherton* a ??5year5old femaleresident at the %andy Beach (etirement =illage who needsurgent admission to your hospital due to chest pain.

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< Aiden ooper

    am writing to refer ooper a !25year5old boy* who is a year Kstudent at >ellers 0ill %tate %chool.,"lanation< Two errors !. ,se rst name when referring to achild. lick here for more details. 2. ncorrect commaplacement

    1ear %ir+adam*

    (e< Aiden ooper

    am writing to refer Aiden* a !25year5old boy who is a year Kstudent at >ellers 0ill %tate %chool.

    Stuy Strategy

    >hen writing introductions* nd a style which you like and use it for all tasks. 0owever* take care to understand the basicgrammar rules and always remember to include the chief complaint* purpose of writing or your main concern. @ractice writing

    introductions using the sample case notes provided in your course.

    Body Paragraphs

    Most referral letters will contain 2 or 3 body paragraphs located between the introduction and the conclusion. Each of the paragraphs should have a main idea which the

    writer needs to convey to the reader. All the sentences with the paragraphs must relate to this main idea. The length of the paragraphs will vary, but an approximate guidelineto meet the reuired word length of !"#$2## words in %ET is as follows&

    • 'ntroduction& 2( words

    • )ody paragraph !& *# words

    • )ody +aragraph 2& *# words

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    • )ody +aragraph 3& # words

    • -onclusion& 2( words

    Paragraph Structure

    A good paragraph will contain 3 main elements

    !. A Topic entence which introduces the reader to the main idea of the paragraph. 'n many cases it will identify and/or summarise an area of concern regarding the patient. 0uite often it is written in original words rather than from words in the case notes.

    2. upporting sentences which may contain the detail regarding patient history, descriptions of symptoms, significant aspects from the treatment record, causes andeffects, trends and so on. 0uite often this information can be ta1en directly from the case notes, and written as full sentences. owever, you will need to paraphrase

    the information into your own words. This includes&

    o -hanging verbs to nouns& complaincomplaint

    o -hanging ad4ectives to nouns& lethargiclethargy

    o 5sing synonyms

    o 6or more details on how to paraphrase, follow this lin1& +araphrase

    3. ignal words lin1 sentences together so that the information flows smoothly and is easy to read.

    -ommon signal words which can help you present information clearly and logically include&

    o Time& At that time, On review today, On consultation today, Recently, Over the past 3 weeks...., Two weeks later, On her next visit, During, Since that time,

     nitial examination..., On !"#$%#!$...

    o 7ocation& During hospitalisation, nitial examination at my clinic revealed...,On examination.... 

    o More information& n addition, &oreover, Also, Apart 'rom this..

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    o -ontrast& (owever, Despite, Although

    o 8esult& There'ore, )onse*uently, As a result, +or this reason...

    o Emphasis& lease note, &ay remind you, &y main concern is...., -hat concerns me most is.....

    o ympathy& n'ortunately, Regretta/ly, +ortunately,

    o ub4ect& n terms o' her social history..., -ith regard to her medication....,0ased on the /lood test results....., Regarding her medical history....., (er dental

    history shows..., The risk 'actors include....., Treatment to date includes...

    o Advice1 t is important to..., recommend that you....., lease ensure that....

    o -hronology1 +irstly, Secondly, +inally

    Example 1Case Notes Paragraphs Analysis

    Diagnosis

    8ight partial rotator cuff tear

    +resented to Mater hospital with pain and wea1ness inthe right shoulder, especially when lifting arm overhead.

    9escending stairs at home and slipped, falling ontooutstretched arm.

    :ray and M8' showed a partial rotator cuff tear.

    %rthopaedic surgeon discussed surgery. +atient prefers totry non;surgical treatment.

    9ate of admission& 3#;!#;2##"

    9ate of discharge& #!;!!;2##"

    Treatment

    'buprofen orally 0'9

    -ortisone in4ections9aily physiotherapy

     &s. (arwood was admitted to our hospital on the 3$th

    o' Octo/er with a diagnosis o' right rotator cu'' tear

     'ollowing a 'all while descending stairs. There'ore, surgery has /een suggested, however, she pre'ers non2

     surgical treatment. She has received i/upro'en andcortisone as prescri/ed and also daily visits /y a

     physiotherapist.

    • Topic sentence is introduced with the phrase&

     &s. (arwood was admitted to our hospital

    on....

    • upporting sentences transform case notes into

    complete sentences

    •ignal words express cause and effect andexpress contrast

    o Therefore,

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    o owever 

    Medical History

    9iabetes Mellitus Type 2

    Metformin (##mg mane

    Nursing Care Needs

     

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    o 8egrettably,

    Example !

    Case Notes Paragraphs Analysis

    Birth History

     

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    Mother and baby attended for routine D wee1 chec1;up.

    Mother says she is concerned about constipation& onceevery three days, hard stool. Mother is as1ing about stool

    softener or prune 4uice for baby.

    )&'ecti(e

    8eflexes normal7ethargic

     eight& *2##gms

    3 wet nappies in last 2* hours. 5rine dar1.

    Assessment

    Mild constipation and dehydration 

    and lethargy. 

    the 8 week check up,

    • 6ocuses on ob4ective information and final

    assessment.%mits less relevant detail.

    • ummarises ob4ective details concisely into

    vital signs in normal limits

    • +araphrases ad4ectives into nouns i.e

    lethargiclethargy

    Plan

    'ncrease breast feeds. 8efer to breast feeding support

    service. -hec1 formula is correctly prepared. 'fcontinuing formula feeds, advise to supplement with

    water ?boiled and cooled@. Advise on 1eeping baby coolin hot weather. 8eturn for review in *" hours. 

    )ould you please support and advise the mother

    regarding /reast'eeding and correct preparation o'

     'ormula 'eeds i' re*uired. n addition, advice on how tokeep the /a/y cool in hot weather is necessary. lease

    note, the patient is due 'or review on !9#$!#$!$. 

    • Topic sentence is a reuest of support

    • upporting sentences expand case notes into

    formal sentences

    • ignal words add cohesion

    o 'n addition,

    o +lease note,

    Conclusions

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    The conclusion or final paragraph in the letter should be fairly standard in structure. 't should be based on the tas1 uestion which is found at the end of case notes. 't maycontain one or two of the following points&

     

    a polite reuest of action reuired

     

    a than1 you for ongoing support

     

    an offer of future assistance if reuired ?this can be useful if you choose to omit some details from the case notes@

    't is useful to be familiar with some standard patterns so that you are able to conclude your letter confidently, uic1ly and most importantly, accurately. owever, some degreeof originality will impress the assessors. Therefore, where possible try to ensure that your conclusion is related to your tas1 and not simply a memorised ending.

    *mportant +rammar ,ules

    Modal -er&s & ome modal verbs F the verb hope are used to convey politeness and commonly used for polite reuests in the conclusion of formal letters. -ompare the patterns below.

    *n.ormal Polite More polite

    • -an you examine and treat the patient as you

    feel appropriate

    • ' will be pleased if you can examine, diagnose

    and treat the patient as you feel appropriate.

    • -an you arrange someone to help this family

    and provide proper medical support.

    • +lease examine and treat the patient as you feel

    appropriate.

    • +lease examine, diagnose and treat the patient

    as you feel appropriate.

    • +lease arrange someone to help this family and

     provide proper medical support.

    • -ould you please examine and treat the patient

    as you feel appropriate

    • ' would be grateful if you could examine,

    diagnose and treat the patient as you feel

    appropriate. ?active@

    • ' would appreciate it if you could examine,

    diagnose and treat the patient as you feelappropriate. ?active@

    • 't would be greatly appreciated if you could

    examine, diagnose and treat the patient as you

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    Explanation/ These sentences are fine in spo1enEnglish, but not suitable for formal writing. )an and will 

    are considered less polite than could  and would .

    Explanation/ These sentences are acceptable in written

    English, but can sound uite direct.

    feel appropriate. ?passive and most polite@

    • ' hope you can arrange someone to help this

    family and provide proper medical support.

    Explanation/ These sentences are the most suitable for

    concluding reuests in formal letters.

    Conditional Sentences& These sentences are also freuently used in the conclusion of a referral letter and the rules are as follows&

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    Closer and signature

    7eave a space between the last line of the conclusion and the closer. The closer should be followed by a comma. Then write your signature below the closer, and if you have

    time, print your name below your signature.

    Sample Conclusions

    Case Notes  Conclusion  Analysis 

    0riting Tas 

    Mr %B8iley has reuested advice on low fat dietary

    guidelines and healthy simple recipes. >rite a letter tothe -ommunity 'nformation ection of the eart

    6oundation, regory Terrace, )risbane on the patientCs behalf. 5se the relevant case notes to explain Mr

    %B8ileyBs situation and the information he needs. 'nclude

    Medical istory, )ody Mass 'ndex and lifestyle.'nformation should be sent to his home address.

     n order to maintain a good health condition, &r.

    O7Riley has re*uested advice on low 'at dietary

     guidelines and healthy simple recipes. t would /e greatly appreciated i' you could send the a/ove

    mentioned in'ormation to &r. O7Riley at his homeaddress, "698 Old Dam Road, :oondiwindi, ;

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    ospital Emergency 9epartment. ive the recent history

    of events and also the patientBs past medical history andcondition.

    =ours sincerely,

     5ight 5urse

    Sandy 0each Retirement >illage

    formulate conclusion

    • Maintains polite tone through the use of modal

    verb would

    • Maintains level of urgency appropriate to the

    situation

    0riting Tas 

    >rite a referral letter to the 9r Hane Thompson, Medical

    +ractitioner at the

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    • -ontains a polite than1 you

    Common Errors

    *ncorrect Correct

    • ' would very much appreciated your attention regarding further management

    of Mr. enderson.

    Explanation/ 'ncorrect grammar, see above

    • ' would very much appreciate your attention regarding further management

    of Mr. enderson.?active@

    • Kour attention regarding further management of Mr. enderson would be

    very much appreciated.?passive@

    • 'f you have any uery, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    Explanation& 5se plural form of uery

    • 'f you have any ueries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    • ' will appreciate your further assessment and management

    Explanation& +olite form would reuired

    • ' would appreciate your further assessment and management.

    • Gindly investigate this child and do the needful. 'f you need any more

    information regarding her situation, please try to contact me without anyhesitation.

    Explanation& everal errors here. )asically it is important that the standard patternsand style conventions are followed in conclusions.

    • ' would appreciate it if you could investigate this childBs condition and do the

    necessary management. 'f you reuire anymore information, please do nothesitate to contact me.

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    • Than1s to review and arrange a home visit for this patient, if you have any

    further uestions, please be free to as1 me.

    Explanation& As above, several errors here. The style is casual and therefore an

    inappropriate way to conclude a letter  

    • ' would appreciate it if you could review and arrange a home visit for this

     patient. 'f you have any further uestions, please do not hesitate to contactme.

    • 't would be appreciated if you could review and arrange a home visit for this patient. +lease do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further

    uestions.

    ' would be appreciated if you could ta1e over the care of this patient.

    Explanation& 'ncorrect grammar • 't would be appreciated if you could ta1e over the care of this patient.

    ?passive verb@

    • ' would be appreciative if you could ta1e over the care of this patient.?be L

    ad4ective@

    • ' would appreciate it if you could ta1e over the care of this patient. ?active

    verb@

    Handy Tip

    As with introductions, when writing conclusions, find a style and pattern which you are confident with and use it. owever, ta1e care to understand the basic grammar rules

    and always remember to respond to the tas1 uestion. +ractice writing conclusions using the sample case notes provided in your course.

    Dos & Don’ts 

    Below are a list of simple points to remember on the day of your exam. 

    Do Don’t

    Summarise all the information from the case notes intosections such as: treatment given and obvious trends,medication, medical history. This will be both easier to writeand read as well as avoiding repition

    Follow a strict chronological order as your letter may becometoo long, difficult to read and will not focus on the mainproblem and related factors.

    Try to write somewhere between 180 and 00 words for the !rite over 0 words as it will effect your overall result. "ou

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