Table of Contents
Introduction
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a must for healthcare professionals looking to work in English speaking countries and one of the components is writing tasks that reflect real life scenarios in the medical field. One such task is the OET advisory letter where you write to a doctor about alternative medication for a patient. And this task not only tests your writing skills but also requires you to have deep understanding of medical terminology, clear communication of patient’s needs and ability to propose alternatives based on clinical evidence. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to write an OET advisory letter, outline the task, give an example and encourage nurses to improve their skills through Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses.
Task
1: What is the primary purpose of a patient’s discharge summary?
When you write an OET advisory letter, you are given a case study that outlines the patient’s medical history, current treatment and concerns raised by the patient or healthcare team and the main purpose of the letter is to communicate with another healthcare professional – in this case, a doctor – about the patient’s condition and suggest alternative medication for the patient.
While writing the letter, make sure to include:
- Patient: Include patient’s name, age, medical history and current medications.
- Clinical context: Summarise the patient’s condition including previous treatments, side effects and reason for considering alternative medication.
- Proposed alternatives: Clearly state the alternative medication with evidence based rationale for why it is better than the current treatment.
- Conclusion and recommendations: Conclude with recommendations for follow up, outline the next step for patient and healthcare team, be clear and professional throughout.
- Professional: Be formal and respectful throughout the letter.
By doing this you can improve your writing and communicate well.
OET Advisory Letter Example
Below is an example of an OET advisory letter that includes all the components, with a patient who has had adverse reactions to their current medication.
[Name] [Position] [Organisation] [Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email] [Phone] [Date]
Dr. [Doctor’s Name] [Doctor’s Organisation] [Doctor’s Address] [City, State, Zip]
Dear Dr. [Doctor’s Surname],
I hope you are well. I am writing to discuss our shared patient, Mrs. Jane Doe, a 45-year-old female with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mrs. Doe is currently on Lisinopril 10 mg daily for her hypertension and Metformin 500 mg twice daily for her diabetes management.
At her recent visit on January 15, 2025, Mrs. Doe complained of cough and dizziness which she attributes to her current medications. After reviewing her case, these symptoms may be side effects of Lisinopril, a common ACE inhibitor that can cause a cough in some patients. Given her discomfort and the impact on her adherence to treatment, I would like to suggest an alternative.
I recommend substituting Lisinopril with Losartan 50 mg daily. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is effective in managing hypertension especially in patients who have adverse effects from ACE inhibitors. Several studies have shown that ARBs are well-tolerated and have fewer side effects than ACE inhibitors, making it a good alternative for patients like Mrs. Doe.
Plus, Losartan may have additional benefits, especially for patients with diabetes. Given Mrs. Doe’s condition, switching her to Losartan will not only address her current symptoms but also improve her medication adherence and overall long-term outcome.
Please consider this and discuss with Mrs. Doe at her next visit. If you have any questions or need more information, please let me know. Thank you and looking forward to your response.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Role]
[Organization]
Conclusion
In short, to write an OET advisory letter you need to know the patient’s medical history and the pharmacological options. The example shows how to convey relevant information and propose alternatives that consider the patient’s well-being.
To excel in writing tasks like OET advisory letter, aspiring nurses can benefit greatly from structured guidance and expert mentorship. Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses is a platform for nursing professionals to improve their writing skills and overall OET preparation. With comprehensive resources, daily study plans, personalized mentorship and practice materials designed for OET aspirants, Entri has got you covered.
Besides improving writing skills, the course covers reading, listening and speaking skills which are essential for communication in the healthcare industry. By joining Entri’s OET Coaching, nurses not only prepare for their exams but also build a foundation for their future careers so they are ready to provide quality care in an English speaking environment.
So if you want to boost your confidence and skills in tackling OET writing tasks, join Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses today. You will not only pass the OET exam but also communicate effectively with patients and colleagues in your future practice.
Tips
- Practice Regularly: Advisory letters should not be a one off exercise. Practice regularly so you get comfortable with the format and language used in professional healthcare communication.
- Get Feedback: Share your letters with your peers or mentors. Feedback will help you identify areas to improve and strengthen your writing.
- Stay Current: Stay updated with the latest medical guidelines and research. This will not only add to your letters but also to your clinical practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an OET advisory letter and why is it important for healthcare professionals?
An OET advisory letter is a written document that healthcare professionals (nurses) have to complete as part of the Occupational English Test (OET). This letter is about a medical case, providing information about a patient’s health and recommending or alternative treatment to another healthcare professional (doctor). The importance of this task is to test the candidate’s medical English, understanding of patient care and ability to communicate in a professional healthcare setting which are all essential skills for working in English speaking countries.
What to include in an OET advisory letter?
When writing an OET advisory letter you need to include:
- Patient Information: Start with patient’s details: name, age, medical history.
- Clinical Context: Summarise patient’s current condition and treatment given.
- Proposed Alternatives: Clearly state alternative medications and evidence or rationale for these recommendations.
- Conclusion and Recommendations: End with follow up actions and next steps.
- Professional Language: Use formal language for medical communication.
How to prepare for writing task in OET?
Preparing for writing task in OET involves:
- Get Familiar with the Format: Understand the structure of an advisory letter and what it is.
- Practice Writing: Practice writing letters based on sample case studies to improve your skills.
- Expand Your Medical Vocabulary: Work on building your medical vocabulary as this will help you to express yourself better.
- Get Feedback: If possible get a mentor or peer to review your letters and give you feedback on your writing and content.
- Enroll in OET Coaching: Consider joining a structured OET preparation course like Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses which has expert guidance and resources specific to the exam.
What to avoid when writing an OET advisory letter?
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Lack of Clarity: Make sure your writing is clear and concise, no complex sentences or jargon that will confuse the reader.
- Patient’s Point of View: Always think of the patient’s needs and concerns when talking about treatment options.
- Not Enough Evidence: When suggesting alternatives provide enough rationale or evidence for your recommendations.
- Poor Organisation: Keep a logical flow in your letter, each section should lead to the next one.
- Not Professional Tone: Always use formal language as this reflects your professionalism and understanding of the healthcare setting.
How is Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses different from other courses?
Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses is designed to provide a holistic and personalized approach to OET. The course offers:
- Expert Guidance: Trainers who are OET format and requirement experts.
- Customized Learning: Study plans and mentorship sessions tailored to individual learning needs and pace.
- Interactive Sessions: Live sessions for real-time interaction and feedback.
- Practice Materials: A plethora of practice tests and resources that mirror the actual OET exam format to help you get familiar with the test structure.
- Flexible Timings: Online classes that can be accommodated into any busy schedule, so you can learn at your own pace.
Why are evidence-based practices important in an OET advisory letter?
Using evidence-based practices in an OET advisory letter is important for:
- Credibility: It shows that your recommendations are research-based and evidence-informed.
- Patient Safety: Evidence-based practices ensure the alternatives proposed are safe and effective for the patient.
- Professionalism: It reflects adherence to professional standards and guidelines which is important in the healthcare industry.
- Informed Consent: Providing evidence allows the recipient of the letter to make informed decisions about patient care and collaboration among healthcare providers.
Who or what can an OET advisory letter be for?
OET advisory letters can be for a variety of patients or conditions. Some examples include:
- Chronic Disease Management: Alternative medications for patients with diabetes, hypertension or asthma.
- Adverse Effects: Where patients have had side effects from current medications and exploring alternatives.
- Post-Operative Care: Recommendations for pain management or rehabilitation after surgery.
- Psychiatric Conditions: Alternative therapies or medications for patients with mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
- Pediatric Care: Letters for pediatric patients with specific developmental or health issues, with tailored recommendations for their individual needs.
How can I improve my OET writing?
To improve your OET writing you can:
- Practice regularly: Do OET writing exercises on advisory letters and patient referrals.
- Read Medical Literature: Read medical journals, articles and case studies to get familiar with medical terminology and language.
- Online Resources: Use online platforms that have writing exercises, sample letters and interactive writing tools for OET preparation.
- Study Groups: Join with other OET candidates to learn and get feedback from each other.
- Writing Workshops: Enroll in writing workshops for healthcare professionals to improve writing clarity and structure.
Is there a specific format for OET advisory letter?
Yes, there is a general format to follow for OET advisory letter:
- Header: Date, recipient’s address and your details as the sender.
- Salutation: Formal greeting e.g. “Dear Dr. [Last Name].”
- Introduction: Introduce the purpose of the letter and provide patient details.
- Body Paragraphs: Clinical context, alternative options and evidence to support your recommendations.
- Conclusion: Summarise the key points and suggest follow-up actions or recommendations.
- Closing: Formal sign-off e.g. “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and your name and title.
How do I get updates on OET exam format or requirements changes?
You can get updates through:
- OET Website: Check the official OET website for updates, guidelines and resources.
- OET Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists from OET providers for updates and information.
- Social Media: Follow OET social media accounts for news, tips and community support.
- Networking: Join OET candidates and healthcare professionals in forums or study groups to share information and experiences.
- Entri’s OET Coaching: Join a structured course like Entri’s OET Coaching for Nurses to get latest information, expert advice and updates on the exam.
