Table of Contents
Introduction
Write Medications in OET Letters accurately by following essential guidelines that ensure clarity, proper dosage, and safe patient care. As a healthcare professional preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET), writing clear, concise and accurate referral and discharge letters is a must. One of the most important part of these letters is medications. Writing medications correctly in OET letters not only shows your knowledge of medical terminology but also your ability to convey important information to other healthcare professionals quickly and clearly.
In OET writing tasks, precision is key, especially when it comes to medications. Miscommunication or mistakes in writing prescriptions can have serious consequences in real life medical settings. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to write medications in OET letters, common examples you may encounter and how to make sure your writing meets OET standards. We will also introduce Entri’s OET course to help you master this crucial part of the exam.
How to Write Medications in OET Letters
1: What is the primary purpose of a patient’s discharge summary?
When writing medications in OET letters, remember clarity and precision is key. The medications prescribed, dosages and frequency of administration should be stated clearly using medical language without ambiguity.
1. Use Correct Medical Terminology
In OET letters, you are expected to use the correct medical terminology when referring to medications. This includes the drug’s name (either generic or brand name depending on the context), dosage and frequency. Make sure the medication name is spelt correctly as even a small mistake can cause confusion. Also write the strength of the medication and the form in which it is given (e.g. tablet, injection, syrup).
For example:
- Incorrect: The patient is prescribed paracetamol for pain relief.
- Correct: The patient is prescribed 500 mg paracetamol tablets, to be taken orally every 6 hours as needed for pain.
The correct version provides specific information about dosage, frequency and method of administration so the receiving healthcare professional has all the information to continue the patient’s treatment.
2. Write Dosage, Frequency and Duration Clearly
One of the most common mistake in writing medications is dosage. In OET letters, dosage should be written numerically followed by the unit of measurement (mg, mL etc.). Frequency should also be specified in terms of how often the medication should be taken (e.g. twice a day, every 8 hours) and duration (e.g. for 5 days, for one week).
For example:
- Incorrect: The patient is on antibiotics.
- Correct: The patient is on amoxicillin 500 mg capsules, to be taken orally for 7 days.
The second version is clear and provides all the necessary details to ensure that the correct medication is administered correctly over the proper time frame.
3. Avoid Abbreviations and Jargon
In medical practice we use abbreviations like “BID” (twice a day) or “PRN” (as needed). But in OET letters we should avoid these abbreviations and use full forms to prevent any confusion especially when writing to non medical readers or professionals who are not familiar with the abbreviations. This is for clarity and safety of patient care.
For example:
- Incorrect: The patient is prescribed metformin BID.
- Correct: The patient is prescribed metformin 500 mg tablets, to be taken orally twice a day.
4. Be Specific with Instructions
When giving medication instructions make sure they are as detailed as possible. If a medication needs to be taken with food, at certain times of the day or with specific precautions (e.g. avoid alcohol) these instructions should be included to prevent complications.
For example:
- Incorrect: Take ibuprofen as needed for pain.
- Correct: Take ibuprofen 200 mg tablets, orally, every 6 hours as needed for pain, with food to prevent stomach upset.
5. Allergies and Contraindications
Make sure to mention if the patient has any known drug allergies or contraindications to the medications prescribed. This is more important when the patient’s previous medications have caused side effects or when the patient is on multiple medications that need to be coordinated.
For example:
- Correct: The patient is allergic to penicillin so amoxicillin was avoided. Instead they have been prescribed doxycycline 100 mg tablets, to be taken orally twice a day for 7 days.
Including allergies or contraindications ensures that the receiving healthcare provider is aware of potential risks and can adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
6. Use Consistent Units of Measurement
Always use the same units of measurement in your OET letter. Stick to standard units like mg, mL and mcg for clarity. Don’t use non-standard units or local variations that might confuse an international audience. This is especially important as OET letters are often between healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.
For example:
- Incorrect: 0.5 gm metformin
- Correct: 500 mg metformin
Consistency in measurements helps prevent miscommunication of medication doses.
Writing Medications in OET Letters
Here are a few examples of how to write medications in OET letters:
Example 1:
Incorrect: The patient is prescribed insulin. Correct: The patient is prescribed insulin glargine (Lantus) 10 units subcutaneously once a day in the morning.
Example 2:
Incorrect: The patient should continue antihypertensives. Correct: The patient should continue amlodipine 5 mg tablets, once daily, and losartan 50 mg tablets, once daily, both in the morning.
Example 3:
Incorrect: Take omeprazole for stomach problems. Correct: The patient is prescribed omeprazole 20 mg capsules, to be taken orally once a day, 30 minutes before breakfast, for acid reflux.
Example 4:
Incorrect: Use eye drops as needed for dry eyes. Correct: The patient is prescribed artificial tears (hypromellose) 0.5% eye drops, one drop in each eye, every 4 hours as needed for dry eyes.
Extra Tips for Writing Medications in OET Letters
In addition to the above, here are a few more:
1. Be Clear
Be as specific as possible. If a medication needs to be taken at specific times (e.g. before meals or bedtime) include that in your letter. Don’t use “as needed” without specifying the conditions under which the medication should be taken.
2. Write for the Reader
Think about who will be reading your OET letter—another healthcare professional or a caregiver. Write for them. For example, if you’re writing to another doctor you may use more technical language, but if you’re writing to a caregiver or patient you should use simpler and clearer language.
3. Check for Accuracy
Always check your letter for accuracy, especially the medication section. Double check drug names, dosages and instructions to make sure there are no mistakes. Medication errors in real life can be serious so get these details right.
Entri’s OET Course
Writing medications in OET letters can be tricky but with practice and the right tuition you can get it. Entri’s OET Course offers coaching and practice to help healthcare professionals prepare for the OET exam. This course covers all parts of the OET, letter writing, speaking, reading and listening. With expert tuition, personal feedback and real life scenarios you can improve your skills and feel confident in the OET exam.
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor or another healthcare professional Entri’s OET course has what you need to succeed and reach your career goals. Go to the OET course page to find out more.
Conclusion
Writing medications in OET letters is a skill that requires attention to detail, clarity and accuracy. Healthcare professionals must make sure the medications they document are exact, including the drug name, dosage, frequency and instructions for use. Follow the tips above and you’ll avoid the common mistakes and your OET letters will be medical communication gold.
Get more practice with Entri’s OET course. Personalised coaching and lots of practice will get you ready for the OET and career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important aspect of writing medications in OET letters?
The most important aspect of writing medications in OET letters is clarity and accuracy. You must include the correct medication name, dosage, frequency, and any special instructions. Clear communication ensures that healthcare professionals can continue the patient’s treatment without confusion or risk of errors.
How should I present medication dosages in OET letters?
Dosages should be written numerically, followed by the unit of measurement (e.g., mg, mL, etc.). For example, “500 mg paracetamol” is clear and leaves no room for ambiguity. Always use standard units and avoid local abbreviations that may not be universally understood.
Can I use abbreviations like ‘BID’ or ‘PRN’ in OET writing?
No, it’s recommended to avoid abbreviations like ‘BID’ (twice a day) or ‘PRN’ (as needed) in OET letters. Instead, use full terms such as “twice daily” or “as required” to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings, especially for international healthcare professionals who may not be familiar with certain abbreviations.
How do I mention medication allergies in OET letters?
It’s crucial to mention medication allergies clearly and directly in OET letters. For example, you could write: “The patient is allergic to penicillin; therefore, an alternative antibiotic, doxycycline, 100 mg twice daily, has been prescribed.” This ensures the reader is aware of potential risks.
How do I write medication frequency and duration in OET letters?
The frequency and duration should be clearly stated to avoid any confusion. For example, “Take 500 mg of amoxicillin orally three times a day for 7 days.” This format ensures that the medication schedule is understood by the healthcare provider or the patient.
Is it necessary to specify the form of medication in OET letters?
Yes, it is important to specify the form of medication, such as tablets, capsules, injections, or syrups. For example, “The patient is prescribed 500 mg metformin tablets, to be taken twice daily.” This clarifies the method of administration and prevents errors.
How should I handle changes to a patient's medications in OET letters?
If there are changes to a patient’s medications, you should clearly state what was prescribed previously and what the new medication is, including reasons for the change if relevant. For instance, “The patient’s medication has been changed from ibuprofen to paracetamol 500 mg, due to gastrointestinal side effects.”
What if a patient is taking multiple medications?
If a patient is on multiple medications, list each one clearly with its name, dosage, frequency, and instructions. For example: “The patient is currently taking: 1) Amlodipine 5 mg once daily for hypertension, 2) Metformin 500 mg twice daily for diabetes, and 3) Paracetamol 500 mg as needed for pain.”
How can I ensure accuracy in writing medications for OET?
Double-check your spelling, dosage, and instructions when writing medications. Ensure that the units are consistent, and review the letter to confirm that the medication details are unambiguous. Using standard medical terminology is also essential for maintaining accuracy.
What if a medication has specific instructions, like taking it with food?
If a medication has special instructions, these should be included in the letter. For example: “The patient is prescribed 200 mg ibuprofen tablets, to be taken with food every 6 hours to prevent stomach upset.” This ensures that the medication is used safely and effectively.
