Consult etiquette
Formal Definition
The professional norms governing how inpatient consultation requests are initiated, communicated, and managed; includes calling ahead to inform the consultant before placing the order, presenting the case concisely, specifying the exact clinical question, communicating urgency, and following up on consultant recommendations.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Consult etiquette" — the unwritten rules of how to ask a specialist for help without annoying them, getting useful answers, and maintaining collegial relationships.
Example
""Before placing the GI consult order, calling the GI fellow: 'I have a 67-year-old with melena and Hgb drop of 4 points over 24 hours, BP is 100/60 — this is an urgent consult for suspected UGIB, he may need emergent EGD. I am placing the order now. Do you have any questions?'""
Clinical Context
CONSULT framework: Call first, One question (be specific), Navigate urgency clearly, Share relevant info concisely, Update the consultant on changes, Listen to recommendations, Thank and follow up. The specific question: "Does this patient need ERCP?" is better than "Please evaluate GI issues." Vague consult questions generate vague answers. Urgency communication: STAT (in the next 30-60 minutes), urgent (within 2-4 hours), routine (within 24 hours). Common consult irritants: placing order without calling, incomplete clinical information, unclear question, excessive urgency labeling. Consultant reciprocal etiquette: see patients promptly, leave clear actionable notes, communicate findings to primary team directly.
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