Closing the Loop on Electronic Referrals: A Quality Improvement Initiative Using the Care Coordination Model

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement Science
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Primary care providers refer approximately one-third of patients to specialty care.
• Nearly 25% of these referrals are never completed, with higher rates among underserved populations.
• Federally qualified health centers face significant challenges in specialty care access, with referral completion rates as low as 73%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions to improve electronic referral processes.
• To enhance patient support and organizational accountability within the referral pathway.
• To reduce incomplete referral rates and improve access to specialty care.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement initiative was designed using the Care Coordination Model.
• Evidence-based interventions focused on patient support and organizational accountability for electronic referrals.
• The study focused on improving the effectiveness of electronic referral systems.

Main Results:

• The initiative successfully implemented interventions to address electronic referral challenges.
• Improvements in patient support and organizational accountability were targeted.
• The study aimed to mitigate risks associated with incomplete referrals.

Conclusions:

• Effective electronic referral processes are crucial for improving health outcomes.
• Addressing referral completion disparities is essential for health equity.
• Quality improvement initiatives can optimize specialty care access and patient care coordination.