The difficulties of knowing when, and to whom, to refer patients with a mental disorder
Recognising one’s clinical limitations and the need for them to be augmented by others’ specialised knowledge and experience is a key component of professional reflectiveness and humility. Referring a patient to a specialist should never be experienced as a reflection of inadequacy or as a slight upon the quality of one’s care. It is an opportunity to provide enhanced treatment and to draw collaboratively upon the specialisation and wisdom of a respected colleague.1 It is also an important ethical obligation.2
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