Ten top tips for writing an outpatient letter

This top ten tips for writing outpatient letters highlights the key points to remember when drafting letters. The key areas of focus are:

1. Being clear on why you are writing the letter
2. Writing letters directly to the patient whenever possible
3. Using headings throughout the letter
4. Keeping the letter brief, clear, readable and relevant
5. Making sure that information is up to date, accurate and unambiguous
6. The treatment summary: a tool for the patient and handover of care
7. Opinion, updated treatment plan and next steps
8. Contact details
9. Dictation 
10. Feedback

This document was originally published in 2019 and was reviewed in 2022 with references updated.