Electronic referrals on the rise in NZ

One million electronic referrals have been undertaken by clinicians in Canterbury, New Zealand.

The eReferrals system, which was first launched in 2009, plays a key role in bringing care closer to home by making general practice the first point of contact for patients.

The South Island’s electronic request management system enables general practice teams to submit requests for specialist advice direct to a secure database of over 700 specialists.

“It’s a great achievement that Canterbury clinicians have reached the one million mark for eReferrals,” said Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

“The eReferrals system was designed by clinicians, for clinicians to ensure a faster, smoother and more accurate transfer of patient information.

“Replacing handwritten referrals with eReferrals has also reduced inaccuracies and has saved time for clinicians.”

eReferrals were launched through the South Island Alliance, a collaboration of the five South Island DHBs, with support from the Ministry of Health.

In March 2016, the five South Island DHBs achieved one million eReferrals.

There are over 200 different types of referral to over 800 public and private health services across the South Island. The most common referral types are to radiology, acute demand services and orthopaedics.

eReferrals are also available in most DHBs in the North Island.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Syda Productions

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