The Joint Commission journal on quality improvement
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Jt Comm J Qual Improv · Dec 2001
Implementing guidelines for interdisciplinary care of low back pain: a critical role for pre-appointment management of specialty referrals.
Improving health care will require more effective guideline implementation and redesign of delivery processes and systems. Patient referral for specialty care is a key component of health system function that needs to be improved. Low back pain care is a widely documented example of the need for improvement. An interdisciplinary systemwide back pain program was developed using process improvement methods. Proactively managing referrals for specialty care-a departure from traditional referral processes-played a critical role in implementing the program. ⋯ Pre-appointment referral management offers an approach for improving guideline implementation, access to specialty services, and the effectiveness of care for complex health problems. It deserves broader study and adoption.