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Triaging general practitioner referrals for specialist review to eConsultant - a pilot study
Jennifer Job1,2, Caroline Nicholson1,2, Ruby Strauss1
1Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
Australian Journal of Primary Health
|August 5, 2026
Summary
The Triaging Referrals to eConsultant (TReC) model is feasible in Australia, improving access to specialist advice for general practitioners and potentially reducing patient treatment delays.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Health Services Research
- Clinical Informatics
Background:
- eConsultant offers general practitioners (GPs) asynchronous, digital, clinician-to-clinician advice for patient care.
- This study evaluated a model for triaging specialist referrals to eConsultant in Australian endocrinology and neurology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the Triaging Referrals to eConsultant (TReC) model.
- To understand patient and provider perspectives on the TReC model.
Main Methods:
- A proof-of-concept study involving GP referrals to Mater Hospital Brisbane.
- Analysis of eConsultant clinical data, GP surveys, and qualitative interviews with patients, GPs, and specialists.
- Evaluation of referral data for endocrinology and neurology.
Main Results:
- Over 11 months, 51 endocrinology and 77 neurology referrals were triaged.
- Specialist responses were provided to GPs within an average of 3.5 business days.
- GPs reported changes in patient care for nine referrals; benefits included reduced delays and improved continuity.
Conclusions:
- The TReC model is feasible within the Australian healthcare context.
- Implementing TReC has the potential to significantly reduce patient treatment delays.