What procedure should you follow if you cannot reach the patient during the second attempt?

The procedure of returning to the referral and updating notes after failing to reach a patient during the second attempt is important for maintaining accurate and clear communication within the healthcare system. Documentation serves several purposes: it creates a comprehensive record of the attempts made to contact the patient, which can be crucial for follow-up actions and accountability. Additionally, updating the notes may include information about the attempts made, alternative contact methods that might be considered, or any relevant patient information that could assist in future outreach efforts.

This approach also ensures that other team members who access the referral will understand the status of outreach efforts and can make informed decisions. It supports continuity of care by providing context for any subsequent actions related to the patient's referral, ultimately enhancing the coordination of services provided.

In contrast, other options might not effectively support the need for thorough documentation or could lead to miscommunication. For example, documenting the situation as a successful contact would be misleading, and scheduling another call without proper notes could lead to confusion or duplication of efforts within the team. Escalating to a supervisor might be necessary in certain cases, but it should follow routine documentation practices first. These reasons highlight the significance of updating the referral notes after unsuccessful contact attempts.