OET Writing Case Notes: What to Include and What to Leave Out
One of the hardest parts of OET Writing is deciding which case notes to include. A good letter is not a summary of all notes. It is a purposeful communication for a specific reader.
Start with the reader
Ask yourself what the reader needs to know. A physiotherapist, GP, community nurse, or specialist may each need different information.
Include relevant details
Useful details often include:
- Main diagnosis or reason for writing
- Relevant medical history
- Current symptoms
- Treatment already given
- Required action or follow-up
Leave out irrelevant details
Do not include information just because it appears in the case notes.
For example, if a patient is being referred for diabetes education, unrelated childhood surgery may not be necessary unless it affects current care.
Organize details logically
Group information by meaning, not by the order of the case notes. This makes the letter easier to read.
Possible structure:
- Purpose of letter
- Patient background
- Current issue
- Management so far
- Requested follow-up
Avoid copying case-note language
Transform notes into complete professional sentences.
Case note:
“Smoker 20/day. BMI 31. Poor diet.”
Sentence:
“Mr Kumar smokes approximately 20 cigarettes per day, has a BMI of 31, and reports a poor diet.”
Final tip
Before writing, spend a few minutes planning. Good selection and organization can improve your score more than writing longer letters.
