Improving descriptive terminology using a descriptive algorithm as an educational intervention to improve referral accuracy.

The accuracy of clinical communication in referrals to dermatology has not been fully explored. Baseline analysis of inpatient ward referral to a dermatology service revealed that only 37% of referrals used accurate descriptive terminology. Theme analysis of individual descriptive terms used was performed to assess knowledge deficits and develop a novel intervention to improve descriptive accuracy.