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Reflections On the Benefits and Barriers in Developing and Implementing A Novel Digital Endoscopic Referral Pathway

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Issue: Gastrointestinal endoscopies are commonly requested, with variable alignment to accepted indications. A healthcare network had several, variable, paper-based referral management practices, with consequent variation in care delivery. Intervention: A digital, single-entry point referral pathway with embedded triage criteria and real-time reporting was implemented. Outcomes: Thus far, 14,588 referrals managed, with 10,939 exited, 25.3% without a procedure. Additionally, the “on-rate” for new outpatient appointments for relevant units decreased by 56.8%. Conclusion: Endoscopic referrals and care delivery can be managed safely and efficiently across sites using a purpose-designed digital pathway. Changing established workflow was challenging, with iterative refinements ongoing.

Source: Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management

DOI: 10.24083/apjhm.v21i1.5091

Authors: Brigid Pinnuck, Kirri Riley, Amy Schafer, Jane Andrews

Institutions: Eastern Health, Central Adelaide Local Health Network

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Systems and Technology

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7155183233

FWCI:

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