Encouraging Clinicians to Refer Patients/Clients to Rounds
WCPR requires a process for referrals and a strategy for prioritizing cases; this is the third key practice change. The referral process you implement will depend on the needs of your local community and participating clinicians.
Below are some considerations to think about when determining who and how to refer to a WCPR.
Who Should Be Referred to a WCPR?
Referral will depend upon the patient’s unique status and needs and the clinician’s concerns. The focus for weekly rounds is to address the palliative needs of patients and their families.
Guidelines to consider when referring a patient:
The patient presents with transitioning or unstable physical symptoms (e.g., ESAS-r 4 or greater).
The patient’s current management and care plan is ineffective.
The patient presents with psychosocial, emotional, spiritual health or financial care needs that are complicated and require an inter-professional, problem-solving approach.
The patient is transitioning between sectors of care and requires planning and communication from a whole-community approach.