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OET Writing Test: How to Write a Clear and Concise Patient Update

The OET Writing Test is an important part of the Occupational English Test (OET) that aims to test healthcare professionals’ capacity to communicate effectively in written English. Preparing a patient update, for example, a referral letter or discharge letter is one of the most frequent writing tasks. Writing a concise and clear patient update is critical to ensure that the receiving healthcare professional receives a correct understanding of the patient’s situation and required next actions.

In this blog, we will look at how to write a successful OET patient update, a step-by-step writing guide, and mistakes to avoid.

Understanding the OET Writing Test

The OET Writing Test takes 45 minutes and is profession-specific, and healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are assigned writing tasks according to their profession. The task usually consists of writing a referral, discharge, or transfer letter based on given case notes.

To become proficient in OET letter writing, candidates should:

  • Identify the relevant and irrelevant information from the case notes.
  • Employ an official and professional OET letter-writing format.
  • Apply the right medical terms and grammar.
  • Employ a formal, clear, and concise writing tone.
  • Most Important Features of Clear and Brief Patient Update

A clear and brief patient update or an OET discharge letter possesses the following most important features:

Introduction and Purpose: This should indicate why the letter is being written.
Patient’s Background: This should include crucial information such as name, age, and medical history.
Presenting Condition: Briefly summarize the main diagnosis and the symptoms.
Treatment Provided: Summarize the interventions, medications, or procedures done.
Current Condition: Outline the status of the patient at discharge or referral.
Recommendations: Include follow-up instructions or actions needed by the recipient.
Professional Closing: Close politely and formally.
These components help the recipient be aware of the patient’s status and the next actions needed effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Patient Update

read and analyzeStep 1: Read and Analyze the Case Notes

Before writing, thoroughly read the case notes and identify the pertinent information. Read the information that establishes the purpose of the letter carefully, and exclude unnecessary background details.


information arrangingStep 2: Arrange the Information in a Logical Order

Use the OET letter writing template to structure your answer. The template should be of the following format:

Opening Salutation: Use formal salutation in addressing the recipient (e.g., “Dear Dr.Smith”).
Introduction: State the letter’s purpose clearly.
Body Paragraphs: Report the patient’s condition, treatment, and follow-up actions required.
Conclusion and Request: Make summary recommendations and plans.
Closing and Signature: Close the letter with a professional closing such as “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully.”

languageStep 3: Use clear and concise language

Use not too long and complex sentences. Write in concise, brief statements that give essential information effectively.

Example:

Incorrect: The patient a history of hypertension of five years was admitted after a complaint of chest pain and now seems to be improving remarkably.
Correct: The 65-year-old male patient with a five-year history of hypertension was admitted with chest pain and has remarkably improved.

Medical AccuracyStep 4: Prioritize Medical Accuracy

Make sure medical information is accurate and appropriate. Apply standard medical language and abbreviations where possible, but avoid excessive use of jargon.

ProofreadStep 5: Proofread and Edit

Proofread the letter before submission for spelling, grammar, and sentence errors. Make sure only relevant information is presented and irrelevant information is left out.

OET Writing Sample & Explanation

Task: Write a Discharge letter to a general practitioner for a 55-year-old patient recovering from pneumonia.

Dr. Sarah Jones
General Practitioner
Greenwood Medical Centre
15 March 2024

Re: Mr. John Smith, aged 55 years

Dear Dr. Jones,

I am reporting on the status of your patient, Mr. John Smith, who was admitted on 5 March 2024 to City Hospital with pneumonia.

He came in with fever, productive cough, and dyspnea at admission. His chest X-ray was confirmed for bilateral lung infiltrates, and he was initiated on intravenous antibiotics and oxygen therapy. His condition is presently much better and is afebrile with normal oxygen saturation.

Mr. Smith has been discharged today on an oral antibiotic prescription (amoxicillin 500mg TDS for 7 days) and been instructed to stay hydrated and rest. A clinic follow-up in one week is advised.
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to call me.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
City Hospital

Analysis of the Letter
Brief and Pertinent:  Only the important information is provided.
Clear Structure:  The letter follows the proper OET letter writing format.
Professional Tone: Professional and proper for a healthcare environment.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Including Irrelevant Details
Mistake: The reporting of previous medical issues that are not relevant to the current matter.
Solution: Stay focused on the patient’s current condition and required next actions.

Using Inappropriate Language
Mistake: “The patient is feeling much better and should be okay soon.”
Solution: “The patient has shown good improvement and requires sustained observation.”

Writing Long and Complex Sentences
Mistake: “Based on the current condition of the patient and his previous history of sickness, there must be satisfactory compliance on his part with the drug provided and modification in way of life in the interest of avoiding any complication that may follow.”
Solution: “The patient should keep following the medication and adopt lifestyle changes to prevent complications.”

Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Solution: Proofread and proofcheck always before submission.

Best Tools for OET Writing Practice

To increase OET writing skills, use:

Official OET Sample Tests: Available at the OET website.
OET Writing Guides: Books and online tutorials with OET letter writing samples.
OET Coaching Programs: Professional courses to improve writing skills.
Practice Platforms: Sites like IELTS Advantage and E2Language provide structured OET writing practice.

Conclusion

Success in the OET Writing Test depends on a methodical approach, coherence, and clinical precision. Following a meticulous step-by-step process, concise professional language, and avoiding pitfalls, you can give an effective patient update. Frequent practice with OET letter writing examples will make you more efficient and confident.

In OET preparation, keep proper and clear writing, apply the correct OET letter writing format, and be accurate with medical details. With good practice and study material, you can achieve high marks in the OET Writing Test.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I enhance my writing ability in OET?

    Practice daily with OET letter writing examples, be concise and clear, adhere to the OET letter writing structure, and receive feedback from experienced instructors.

    How to achieve a high score in OET writing?

    To obtain high marks, employ accurate medical terminology, structure your letter logically, maintain grammatical correctness, and provide only case-relevant details.

    What is the most difficult section in OET?

    Most candidates find the OET Writing Test difficult because of the requirement for brief medical communication and proper OET letter format.

    What words are excluded from the OET writing word count?

    Articles (a, an, the), conjunctions (and, but, or), and prepositions (in, on, at) are excluded from the word count for the OET Writing Test.

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