Accreditation practice pointer: transfer of patient care

GP2.4 B Our practice facilitates the transfer of care of a patient when the practitioner requests transfer of care.

RACGP Standards for general practice.

There are times when GPs choose to cease treating a patient. This decision can be made for different reasons including the GP believes they can no longer provide optimal care, there has been a breakdown in the patient-practitioner relationship or the patient has engaged in violent behaviour.  

When this situation arises, the following process must be followed:

  • Informing the patient (at a consultation, or by phone or letter) as to the reason for the decision to transfer care

  • Taking reasonable steps to ensure the GP to whom the patient’s care is transferred has the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills to provide the care required

  • Facilitating arrangements for the continuing medical care of the patient, including the transfer or appropriate management of all patient records

  • Documenting in the patient’s health record details of the practitioner’s decision to cease providing care, and the action taken.

     

General practice might also consider the following in this situation:

  • Consulting the medical defence organisation when it is deemed necessary

  • The availability of other GPs to transfer care to, particularly in remote areas

  • Emergency care must be always provided

  • Maintaining a policy about transferring a patient’s care.

Margot Schoonmaker