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Organizational aspects of e-referrals.
R Wootton1, K Harno, J Reponen
1Centre for Online Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. r_wooten@pobox.com
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
|January 20, 2004
Summary
Electronic referral (e-referral) systems, whether for e-transfer or e-consultation, share common processes and require performance metrics for successful implementation. E-referral improves healthcare access and is cost-effective.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Management
- Digital Health
Background:
- Established e-referral systems vary in scale, from single-country, high-volume services to global, lower-volume networks.
- Despite differences, common operational models and challenges exist across e-referral platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the common features and underlying models of established e-referral systems.
- To identify critical factors for successful e-referral service implementation and operation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three distinct, well-established e-referral systems with varying case volumes and geographical scope.
- Examination of the core e-referral process: initiation, reception, allocation, and response.
Main Results:
- A consistent e-referral process model was identified: referrer initiates, organization receives and allocates, responder replies.
- Effective tracking of e-referral requests necessitates performance metrics.
- Successful e-referral implementation requires significant work practice adjustments.
Conclusions:
- E-referral systems, regardless of scale, share fundamental processes and require robust management.
- Implementing e-referral between primary and secondary care enhances service accessibility and demonstrates cost-effectiveness.