New eReferral system to improve clinician-patient communication for Tasmanians

Goodbye paper referrals – Tasmania’s health system has moved “out of the dark ages” with a new digital referral system now live across the state’s four hospitals. What the change entails >

Regan Dransfield (L) and Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the announcement of the implementation of the eReferral system on June 26, 2023.

Tasmania’s health system has moved “out of the dark ages” with a new digital referral system now live across the state’s four hospitals.

The eReferral system, which aims to streamline patient-clinician communication will remove the need for physical referrals written by hand, scanned or sent via email and facsimile.

Instead, the eReferral is submitted via a secure platform, and instantly notifies general practitioners of receipt of the referral from the specialist service or clinic.

It can be used for general practitioners to refer their patients to public outpatient services, including specialists and allied health professionals consulting privately.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the system would “ensure patients get more timely care and spend less time on waiting lists”.

Regan Dransfield (L) and Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the announcement of the implementation of the eReferral system on June 26, 2023.

“[It’s] about moving our health system out of the dark ages; no more faxes, emails are a thing of the past, even,” Mr Rockliff said.

The system also allows GPs to be kept up to date with the progress of their patient’s referral, as they occur.

Mr Rockliff said the system would also improve patient safety and outcomes.

“We have already hit a milestone of 10,000 digital eReferrals received through the system, and I encourage all general practitioners to get on board and utilise the new integrated system in their practices,” he said.

Chief Information Officer for the Department of Health, Warren Prentice said the move was a “major milestone” for Tasmania.

“What is positive about this system is we have seen a reduction in the [back] and [forth] between clinicians … [We’re] getting a lot more details, and making it far simpler to communicate between these organisations,” Mr Prentice said.

While Mr Prentice could not speak to the data on how the system had impacted on patient waiting times, he said the technology would be a better way to improve that workflow and “give clinicians more time with patients”.

The eReferral system project forms part of the state government’s $475m 10-year Digital Health Transformation.

“This transformation will deliver a range of benefits for patients, including improved communications and reduced waiting time for services. it will also prevent unnecessary hospital visits,” Mr Rockliff said.