e-Article
Improvement of the Efficiency and Completeness of Neuro-Oncology Patient Referrals to a Tertiary Center Through the Implementation of an Electronic Referral System: Retrospective Cohort Study
Document Type
article
Author
Source
Journal of Medical Internet Research, Vol 22, Iss 3, p e15002 (2020)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1438-8871
Abstract
BackgroundQuality referrals to specialist care are key for prompt, optimal decisions about the management of patients with brain tumors. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the impact of introducing a Web-based, electronic referral (eReferral) system to a specialized neuro-oncology center, using a service-developed proforma, in terms of waiting times and information completeness. MethodsWe carried out a retrospective cohort study based on the review of medical records of referred adult patients, excluding follow-ups. Primary outcome measures were durations of three key phases within the referral pathway and completion rates of six referral fields. ResultsA total of 248 patients were referred to the specialist center during the study period. Median (IQR) diagnostic imaging to referral intervals were 3 (1-5) days with eReferrals, and 9 (4-19), 19 (14-49), and 8 (4-23) days with paper proforma, paper letter, and internal referrals, respectively (P