Due to increases in the demand for ophthalmology services, providers have been overburdened with referrals. Understanding how referral networks currently work can be an important tool toward reducing overburdened practices, waste of resources, and providing effective care to patients.
An initiative by the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust sought to investigate the quality of referral networks between general practitioners (GPs) and primary/comprehensive ophthalmology services. This project investigated reasons for referrals as well as mismanagement of referrals in terms of patients that could be seen in secondary care for their health problems but were still being referred to comprehensive services.
The project concluded that there is some confusion among providers when it comes to where patients with different health needs should be referred to and that providing further education to those involved with referral systems could be beneficial in improving the quality of services and promoting appropriate use of resources throughout the network.
For more information on this project please visit http://map.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/manchester-university-nhs-foundation-trust/referrals-primary-carecomprehensive-ophthalmology
Hello Beth! Thank you for your comment. I will check with Rachel Stancliffe on the availability of documents in regards to this project. I will get back to you as soon as I know more.
Thank you!