Referral Issues

A clinical referral is a request for specialist attention to a suspected disease or disorder. It represents a transfer of information about an individual, as well as a transfer of clinical responsibility over that individual, and must therefore provide a rationale for that transfer. A referral initiates a process typically consisting of consultation, assessment, intervention (if necessary), and follow-up, resulting in either client discharge or further referral. Concerns over communication disorders commonly involve referrals to Speech–Language pathologists (SLPs), making it important to understand both how those referrals reach them and on what grounds they are made. This entry defines referrals and discusses the scope of referral to SLPs, the referral process, and what are grounds for referral.