The study involved communication and referral outcomes for 266 patients who were referred to the hospital’s gastroenterology clinics through eReferral.
eReferral involves referring providers inputting clinical information into an online interface.
The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety published the study in its August issue.
Here are five points:
1. Of the studied referrals, 68 percent did not require in-person gastroenterology clinic appointments or were directed to schedule appointments through other means.
2. Thirty-two percent of these referrals resulted in no appointments, because the patients’ problems were solved during pre-consultation communication.
3. Researchers concluded the electronic referral system enhanced communication between providers.
4. Additionally, researchers noted the paper referral system inhibits information flow and ultimately harms patient safety due to “missed and delayed diagnoses,” according to the study.
5. The eReferral system also allows identification of referrals that require follow-up, so no patients slip through unnoticed.
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