Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 204, 493 - 495 (2008)
Published online: 10 May 2008 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2008.348
Subject Category: Orthodontics
Pre-assessment triage of orthodontic referrals at an East Yorkshire Hospital
W. J. Rayner1 & J. J. D. Neal2
- Raises primary dental care practitioners' awareness of the challenge of the 18 week pathway in secondary care.
- Describes a potential solution to the problem of inappropriate referrals to secondary care providers.
- Demonstrates a method of referral that places less reliance on the general dental practitioner's knowledge of IOTN.
Abstract
Inappropriate referrals leading to long waiting lists are a problem for many orthodontic departments throughout the country. This paper describes a method of triaging new patient referrals which aims to reduce the number of appointments generated for inappropriate referrals. The system has been used successfully at Hull Royal Infirmary to reduce new patient waiting times in line with government targets.
- Clinical Assistant in Orthodontics, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ
- Consultant Orthodontist, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ
Correspondence to: W. J. Rayner1 e-mail: w.rayner@hotmail.co.uk