Abstract
Background: Diagnostic imaging plays an integral role in disease diagnosis and patient treatment.1 The challenge in the context of diagnostic imaging referrals is how to collectively navigate patients through these services, intra- and inter-institutionally.2-5
Objective: To map the referral processes and procedures that lead to access to diagnostic imaging services within the embedded multi-level medico-clinical pathways up to the point of an ultimate diagnosis as part of a patient’s treatment and management plan.
Methods: This study was part of a larger qualitative study conducted at a district hospital situated in an academic hospital complex.
A total of 24 conveniently selected patients. The reason for the convenience was due to availability to participate in both the entry and exit interviews. These participants were ‘shadowed’ meaning accompanied at each point of contact within the health system complex from entry until discharge. Data collection methods included observations of the various types of consultations and individual and focus group interviews with multiple healthcare providers.
Findings: Two main themes pertaining to referrals for diagnostic imaging were identified. The first relates to the decisions that a medical officer or specialist has to make about the sequence of activities and procedures related to each patient’s condition. The second theme refers to the multi-level routing of patients.
Conclusion: The informational interactions between providers that take place during a patient’s journey inform the mapping approach to referral pathways for diagnostic imaging investigations from a systemic point of view. This process can also enhance the strategic management, for instance, monitoring timely access to imaging services within the health system complex.
Reference list:
1. Lundén M, Lundgren SM, Lepp M. The nurse radiographers’ experience of meeting with patients during interven¬tional radiology. JRN 2012; 31(2): 53-61.
2. D’Amour D, Goulet L, Labadie JF, San Martín-Rodriquez L, Pineault R. A model and typology of collaboration between professionals in healthcare organizations. BMC Health Serv Res 2008; 8(188): 1e14.
3. Longo J, Smith MC. A prescription for disruptions in care: community building among nurses to address horizontal violence. Adv Nurs Sci 2011; 34(4): 345e56.
4. Suter E, Arndt J, Arthur N, Parboosingh J, Taylor E, Deutschlander S. Role understanding and effective communication as core competencies for collaborative
practice. J Interprof Care 2009; 23(1): 41e5.
5. Clark FA. Power and confidence in professions: lessons for occupational therapy. Can J Occup Ther 2010; 77(5): 264e9
Objective: To map the referral processes and procedures that lead to access to diagnostic imaging services within the embedded multi-level medico-clinical pathways up to the point of an ultimate diagnosis as part of a patient’s treatment and management plan.
Methods: This study was part of a larger qualitative study conducted at a district hospital situated in an academic hospital complex.
A total of 24 conveniently selected patients. The reason for the convenience was due to availability to participate in both the entry and exit interviews. These participants were ‘shadowed’ meaning accompanied at each point of contact within the health system complex from entry until discharge. Data collection methods included observations of the various types of consultations and individual and focus group interviews with multiple healthcare providers.
Findings: Two main themes pertaining to referrals for diagnostic imaging were identified. The first relates to the decisions that a medical officer or specialist has to make about the sequence of activities and procedures related to each patient’s condition. The second theme refers to the multi-level routing of patients.
Conclusion: The informational interactions between providers that take place during a patient’s journey inform the mapping approach to referral pathways for diagnostic imaging investigations from a systemic point of view. This process can also enhance the strategic management, for instance, monitoring timely access to imaging services within the health system complex.
Reference list:
1. Lundén M, Lundgren SM, Lepp M. The nurse radiographers’ experience of meeting with patients during interven¬tional radiology. JRN 2012; 31(2): 53-61.
2. D’Amour D, Goulet L, Labadie JF, San Martín-Rodriquez L, Pineault R. A model and typology of collaboration between professionals in healthcare organizations. BMC Health Serv Res 2008; 8(188): 1e14.
3. Longo J, Smith MC. A prescription for disruptions in care: community building among nurses to address horizontal violence. Adv Nurs Sci 2011; 34(4): 345e56.
4. Suter E, Arndt J, Arthur N, Parboosingh J, Taylor E, Deutschlander S. Role understanding and effective communication as core competencies for collaborative
practice. J Interprof Care 2009; 23(1): 41e5.
5. Clark FA. Power and confidence in professions: lessons for occupational therapy. Can J Occup Ther 2010; 77(5): 264e9
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 18 Mar 2018 |
| Event | ASMIRT 2018 Canberra 15-18 March care|communication|collaborate - Canberra, ACT , CAnberra, Australia Duration: 15 Mar 2018 → 18 Mar 2018 https://conference.asmirt.org/2018/ |
Conference
| Conference | ASMIRT 2018 Canberra 15-18 March care|communication|collaborate |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | CAnberra |
| Period | 15/03/18 → 18/03/18 |
| Internet address |
