Navigating Ambulatory Referral: A Standardized Process

Abstract

Significant funding and structure changes to healthcare in Ontario in the mid-90's led The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to examine patient referral processes. In an effort to streamline access and encourage more appropriate referrals, the hospital tested and implemented three major changes. This article outlines these changes using the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) improvement framework and summarizes the results from this project.