eReferral CoP Session #3

On January 28, 2025, the eReferral Community of Practice CoP came together to collaboratively discuss eReferral Form Standardization and share experiences and insights from across the country. This document outlines the group’s discussions.

eReferral Forms Standardization

To set the stage for the discussion, the eReferral CoP session started with a ‘fireside chat’ with a specialist and primary care clinician. The specialist identified one current challenge with the existing referral process as the quality of the referral forms. The triage process heavily relies on the quality of information in referral forms, which is often inconsistent or inadequate. Standardizing eReferral forms can significantly improve the triaging process, ensuring the specialist is receiving all the relevant information necessary to appropriately triage each patient. 

Forms Standardization – Anticipated Benefits

The members of the eReferral CoP outlined the benefits of transitioning to eReferral Forms Standardization across Canada.   

• Improves quality of triage without increasing burden
• Improves relationship between Primary Care and Specialists
• Enhances collaboration within eReferral process
• Minimizes administrative work / governance compared to several unique forms
• HIS Integrations
• Clear decision points for triaging to Specialists
• Allows clinicians to better manage patients’ expectations
• Helps Primary Care Clinicians create a better story for their patient
• Limits bias
• Encourages dialogue between Primary Care Clinicians and Specialists
• Ensures that the right questions lead to the right actions
• Reduces variability between Specialists
• Values input from various stakeholders
• Encourages standardized information that can be fed into AI models

Forms Standardization – Anticipated Challenges

The members of the eReferral CoP outlined the 4 most anticipated challenges when transitioning to eReferral Forms Standardization across Canada.   

1. Difference of opinions (within a particular specialty)
2. Challenging to get consensus from clinicians and administrators
3. Balancing technical requirements with clinical requirements
4. Interoperability

References

Journal Article: Codesigned standardised referral form: simplifying the complexity

Questions?

Have questions? Complete this submission form and a member of the eReferral CoP will respond as soon as possible. Note: Some questions may require discussion and will be presented at a future quarterly eReferral CoP meeting.  

If you are just looking to stay informed on the eReferral CoP meeting topic, an update will be available following each quarterly session.