Improving the effectiveness of electronic health record-based referral processes

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Communication

Background:

• Electronic health records (EHRs) are vital for outpatient referral communication.
• Current EHR-facilitated referrals are often unsatisfactory, causing care delays.
• Technology integration must consider the healthcare social environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a socio-technical framework for effective electronic referral communication.
• To provide ten actionable recommendations for optimizing EHR-based referrals.
• To guide system designers, clinicians, and stakeholders in improving referral processes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an 8-dimensional socio-technical model for health information technology.
• Synthesized existing literature, clinical practices, and systems-based approaches.
• Developed recommendations based on prior research and current best practices.

Main Results:

• Identified key areas for improving electronic referral communication.
• Proposed ten recommendations for designing, implementing, and monitoring EHR referrals.
• Highlighted the necessity of a socio-technical perspective for success.

Conclusions:

• Effective electronic referral communication necessitates a socio-technical approach.
• Recommendations offer practical guidance for enhancing outpatient referral processes.
• Addressing both technical and social factors is crucial for reducing care delays.