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ECRS (extra-contractual referrals). Mind the gaps
1Buckinghamshire Health Board, England.
The Health Service Journal
|July 16, 1995
Summary
This study reviewed adult mental health patients using the Exceptional Circumstances রোগীর (ECR) system. It found that 14% of ECR patients were either incorrectly billed or long-term cases predating the ECR system.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Mental Health Policy
- Public Health Administration
Background:
- The Exceptional Circumstances রোগীর (ECR) system facilitates patient care transfers.
- Understanding ECR patient demographics and referral patterns is crucial for effective resource allocation.
- Previous analyses of ECR utilization in mental health services are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify adult mental health patients utilizing the ECR system in Buckinghamshire.
- To analyze the characteristics and reasons for ECR referrals.
- To assess the accuracy of ECR patient identification and billing.
Main Methods:
- Review of Buckinghamshire HA's ECR account budget sheet (April-September 1993).
- Exclusion of patients under 16 and those with physical disabilities.
- Interviews with consultant psychiatrists using a structured questionnaire.
- Analysis of demographic details, diagnoses, referral reasons, and care plans for ECR patients.
Main Results:
- Thirty-two patients were identified via the ECR account sheet.
- Twenty-eight patients (87.5%) were included in the analysis, known by local consultants.
- Four patients (14%) were identified as outliers: one incorrectly billed post-return, three long-term cases predating ECR.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of ECR patients may not accurately reflect current service needs or referral criteria.
- Potential for billing inaccuracies and inclusion of pre-ECR long-term patients requires attention.
- Refinement of ECR patient identification and management protocols is recommended.