Paediatrician perceptions of patient referral and discharge.

Conclusions Understanding the factors involved in the referral process and the decision to discharge patients from speciality care clinics to primary care is essential to develop strategies to address long waiting times. Ensuring appropriate referral of children involves the participation of GPs, parents and specialists.What is known about the topic? Most paediatric subspecialists practice in paediatric hospitals, where there is a sufficient volume of patients requiring their services. There have been reports across Australia of increased referrals to general and subspecialist paediatricians, with subsequent increases in waiting times and difficulties accessing timely care for children. There are anecdotal reports of inappropriate referrals to paediatric subspecialty clinics.What does this paper add? There is broad sentiment among paediatric specialists that they receive many referrals from GPs without either a clear rationale for the referral and/or sufficient information regarding the clinical history of the patient. Few paediatricians report contacting the referring GP to obtain additional information. Paediatricians believe parents are a frequent driver of both necessary and unnecessary referrals.What are the implications for practitioners? Understanding the factors involved in the referral process and the decision to discharge patients from speciality care clinics to primary care is essential to develop strategies to address long waiting times. PMID: 27665037 [Pu...
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research