Healthc Inform Res.  2017 Apr;23(2):126-134. 10.4258/hir.2017.23.2.126.

Survey on Usage of Medical Referral Information in Japanese Physicians

• Watanabe H
• Kimura M
• Ohe K

• KMID: 2378521
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2017.23.2.126

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this survey was to explore physicians' opinions to identify an adequate time range for clinical information to be provided with a referral that would help minimize wasteful retesting.
METHODS
In 2011, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 193 physicians. Examining the degree of utilization of provided medical information, we determined the range of clinical information of referral documents.
RESULTS
Less than three months of prescription history and blood sample test results in patient referral was most frequent. Less than one year of image information was most frequent. Most doctors answered there is no need to repeat the same type of blood test in their institute when they had information less than half a month old. Less than half to one month of image information was most frequent. Also, it appeared many doctors think "fundamentally they do not change their mind from their own medical department standpoint." At the actual site, those who would even review referral clinical notes accounted for about 30% of all participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Medical referral eventually takes place after the establishment of mutual communication and should consider the workflow and system environment of the receiver of the information.

Keyword

Referral and Consultation; Hospital Information Systems; Surveys and Questionnaires; Statistics and Numerical Data

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
Hematologic Tests
Hospital Information Systems
Humans
Prescriptions
Referral and Consultation*
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

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  Figure 1 The reference period for prescription information (Q1).

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  Figure 2 Laboratory results: (A) Q2-1 and (B) Q2-2.

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  Figure 3 Radiology results: (A) Q3-1 and (B) Q3-2.

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  Figure 4 Judgment as a specialist: (A) Q6-2 and (B) Q6-3.

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  Figure 5 The range of information that can be reviewed within the time allowed in a clinical setting: (A) Q7 and (B) Q7-1.

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  Figure 6 The reference ranges of the medical information provided by an outside source.

Reference

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