Effective communication is essential at every step of the care pathway. Effective communication with the patient and carer is particularly important given the prevalence of low health literacy in Australia (estimated at 60 per cent of Australian adults) (ACSQHC 2013).

The general or primary practitioner should:

• provide the patient with information that clearly describes who they are being referred to, the reason for referral and the expected timeframe for appointments
• support the patient while waiting for the specialist appointment.