Rejecting Referrals to GDPs - Typographical errors

Introduction

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to reject referrals back to GDPs, this topic covers typographical errors. It is a professional responsibility (and a requirement under GDPR) to ensure that a referral is completed accurately. However, typographical errors may occur, especially in larger free text boxes and with the enabling of auto-complete functions in many modern browsers. 

Referrals should generally not be rejected for simple errors that do not change the meaning or understanding of the referral.

Rejecting for typographical errors

You should reject a referral if the following apply:

a) The typographical error contradicts another aspect of the form – for example the LR8 is selected in the tooth charting, and yet the referrer describes the LR7 in their free text box. There is a clinical risk of wrong site surgery and hence the referral must be rejected for clarification.
b) The typographical error concerns a drug name or dose.
c) The typographical error potentially changes the meaning or understanding of a referral – for example the ISON is completed, indicating a sedation referral, but the free text states that sedation is not required.

*In these cases referrals should normally be rejected following clinical review rather than by administrators

Use the custom reject function and enter a clear description of the (potential) error for clarification so that the referring GDP can make the required changes.