Example: lines of communication between community services

Zain is a physiotherapist in a community services environment. Margaret was referred to Zain for assessment and management of her back pain.

Zain discovers that Margaret is a morbidly obese diabetic who has been recently widowed and is not coping at home with the loss of the support services package that her husband received.

Although Margaret is only there to see Zain about her back pain, he also wants to make sure that the health system is taking care of Margaret’s greater health needs too.

Zain obtains informed consent from Margaret to refer her to other health services. He refers her to a dietician for diabetic nutritional information, an occupational therapist for a home assessment and modifications, and a social worker for grief counselling and support services planning.

Zain makes sure that he uses the required referral forms and provides each service with all the relevant information to enable them to provide Margaret with the best possible care.