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Background The Cardiology referral system at Royal Surrey County Hospital involved bleeping the registrar. It is often the junior doctors’ job to make the referral, and occasionally not all information is at hand. Aim To improve efficiency of inpatient Cardiology referral process by creating an easy-to-use system enabling effective timely referrals with relevant information. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to junior doctors with five closed questions, rated strongly agree to strongly disagree. A proforma was designed and implemented with feedback from the Cardiology team. Improvements were measured objectively through questionnaires and verbal feedback. Leadership This project began with identifying an area for improvement, reviewing and planning for standardised system. It involved working closely with the Cardiology team, through meetings and email correspondence. We also took into consideration suggestions from clinicians outside Cardiology. We evaluated referral systems in other specialities, which helped aid design. Results Before implementation: 22 junior doctors responded. 50% agreed they knew how make to make a Cardiology referral, 50% disagreed. 68% disagreed that it is very easy to get a referral. 50% agreed they included the correct information. 55% agreed they were often told to gather more information. 77%, spent two hours or more trying to refer. Two months after implementation: 21 junior doctors responded. 81% agreed they knew how make to make a Cardiology referral. 67% agreed that it is very easy to get a cardiology referral. 57% agreed they always included the correct information. 24% agreed they were asked to gather more information. All referrals were completed within an hour. Conclusion The implementation of these changes highlights the key qualities needed in leadership and management – good communication skills, being innovative as well as challenges one may face and being able to use feedback to guide positive change. |
