The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on elective care services worldwide, with treatment delays and waiting times exacerbated in many countries. As the elective care backlog surpasses the seven million mark in the United Kingdom, it is clear that a multi-pronged approach is needed to tackle long patient waiting times.
Fortunately, several Focused Improvement Program (FIP) initiatives have been launched to reduce waiting times and improve patient care. One particularly effective approach has been the digitization of the referral process. Let’s take a closer look at how this change has reduced waiting times and improved the quality of care provided to patients.
Reducing Incorrect Referrals
One of the primary goals of the Focused Improvement Program was to shorten the time between referrals to treatment by reducing incorrect referrals. The referral process can be complex, with patients often being referred to the wrong clinic or specialist. To address this issue, clinical decision-making was brought into the GP surgery.
By integrating clinical decision-making into the referral process, patients are now seen by the right specialist during their first appointment. This has been instrumental in improving the referral process and ensuring that patients attend the appropriate clinic on their first visit.
Shifting to a Digital Referral System
Another significant change that has improved the referral process is the shift from a paper-based system to a digital one. This transition allows electronic patient data to be securely shared between primary and secondary care, making it easier and quicker for GPs to make accurate referrals.
The advantages of digitization go beyond mere convenience. By automating the referral process, the digital system has saved time for both GPs and consultants. Referrals can now be made accurately and quickly, reducing delays in the treatment for patients.
Automating Triage
Automating triage is perhaps the most significant change to the referral process. It frees up GPs and consultants’ time, allowing everyone to work more effectively to reduce patient waiting times. The hospital triage team can now assess which service is most appropriate for each patient, preventing them from being given appointments at the wrong clinic.
By implementing this change, patients are now seen by the right specialist at the right time. This automation has also allowed for improved accuracy in the referral process, ensuring greater consistency of care for the patient.
Consistently accurate referrals
The digitalization of the referral process has significantly improved the accuracy of referrals. A 70% increase in accurate referrals has been recorded since the implementation of automated triage and the digital referral system. Patients are now receiving the right care at the right time, thus leading to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
With automated triage and a digital referral system, GPs are prompted to complete any necessary diagnostic tests before consulting with a specialist. This prompt ensures that every patient receives the best possible care.
Improving Patient Care
The digitization of the MSK referral process has shown significant improvements in patient care. Waiting times have been reduced, and patients are seeing the right specialist at the right time. Patients are now satisfied with the service provided, and consultations are running more efficiently.
This effective approach to better referral management signals the way forward. The potential impact of this change could lead to significant improvements in care and reduced waiting times, resulting in less patient suffering and reduced pressure on the healthcare system.
As outlined above, a multi-pronged approach is critical to tackling long patient waiting times. Accurate referrals and digitalization of the referral process are key components of improving patient care. By automating the triage process and shifting to a digital referral system, patients are receiving better care more efficiently. These changes may have a lasting impact on the healthcare industry, reducing waiting times and suffering for patients. The digitalization of the referral process signals a move forward towards better clinic outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.
