The Cwm Taf Community Dental Service (CDS) has previously used a paper system to refer patients to the orthodontic specialists within the Cwm Taf CDS. However, at the beginning of June 2019, an electronic referral system was introduced. Although electronic referrals have had a minimal effect on the overall waiting time for a patient, there has been an improvement in the efficiency of transfer of orthodontic referrals within the CDS. Electronic referral systems have reduced the number of inappropriate referrals, improved patient confidentiality and maintained an accurate record that is accessible from any of the Cwm Taf CDS clinics.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: The article highlights the benefits of an electronic referral system with respect to reducing both inappropriate referrals and waiting times.
Article
The Cwm Taf Community Dental Service (CDS) comprises 10 dental clinics based in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area. The service has previously used a paper system to refer patients to the orthodontic specialists within the Cwm Taf CDS. However, at the beginning of June 2019, an electronic referral system was introduced to replace paper referrals.
Nationally, there is an aim to adapt to an electronic referral system for medical referrals within the NHS. Regarding orthodontics in Wales, there is an objective to reduce waiting lists and prioritize patients to ensure they receive a high standard of care.1 Electronic management systems have been shown to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals because there is a greater element of control compared with paper-based referral options.2 Reddy et al.3 showed that inappropriate referrals lead to patient dissatisfaction and inefficient use of clinical time.
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