scholarly journals Patient access: Enhancing the referral process

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-162
Author(s):  
E.D. Cruz ◽  
B.R. Kersten ◽  
C.G. Wallis ◽  
S.H. Basquez ◽  
Y. Hsu
2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Cheung ◽  
Faiza Muneer ◽  
Michael Freeborn ◽  
Katie Cross

Abstract Aims The Surgical Emergency Clinic (SEC) in our Hospital facilitates access to General Surgical consultant-led emergency assessment. Anecdotally, referrals are often (likely inadvertently) inappropriate and / or incomplete, which may delay assessment by the correct specialist. We audited the quality of GP referrals to the SEC against four standards: Methods Retrospective analysis of 50 GP referrals to the SEC between November - December 2017, after recording data pertinent to the above standards in a spreadsheet. Results were presented at a local GP development day, a re-designed referral form incorporating GP feedback received was uploaded onto the Trust’s intranet and an email inbox created for e-referrals. 50 further referrals between September - November 2018 were analysed. Results Full completion of the referral form increased from 0% (initial audit) to 29% (re-audit), and appropriateness of referrals from 62% to 90%. The proportion of patients having had specified blood and urine tests in advance improved overall also. Conclusions Our experience demonstrates that primary and secondary care teams actively communicating and working closely together can improve the referral process for both parties, and most importantly enhance patient access to timely, appropriate specialist care.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Badano

AbstractImaging clinical trials can be burdensome and often delay patient access to novel, high-quality medical devices. Tools for in silico imaging trials have significantly improved in sophistication and availability. Here, I describe some of the principal advantages of in silico imaging trials and enumerate five lessons learned during the design and execution of the first all-in silico virtual imaging clinical trial for regulatory evaluation (the VICTRE study).


BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jade Kabbani ◽  
Jamil Kabbani ◽  
Jade Kabbani

Abstract Background The increased use of smartphone applications across healthcare specialties has been particularly relevant in dermatology, with dermatology related applications widely available on mainstream application stores. We reviewed published literature regarding melanoma-related applications, and the number and types of such applications available for download. Methods A literature search of “dermatology”, “smartphone” and “melanoma” was conducted to identify publications assessing applications of interest. “Melanoma” was searched in Apple’s (iOS) “App Store” and Google’s “Google Play”, and application purposes and ratings were analysed. Results 54 of the 63 literature search results explored smartphone use in relation to melanoma, describing benefits including quicker patient access to care, reduced referrals and hence unnecessary consultations, and improved accessibility to information. However, concerns include insufficient image quality, privacy issues related to encryption, and diagnostic inaccuracy. Searches on the Google Play and iOS stores identified 249 and 51 apps respectively. 25% of Google Play results were categorised as clinical tools, 17% as educational, and 58% as recreational. The corresponding results for the App store were 92%, 6% and 2%. 81% of the educational apps and 92% of the clinical management apps related to dermatology and melanoma on Google Play, whereas all of the clinical management apps and 67% of the education apps on the App store were of relevance. Conclusion The results illustrate the widespread availability of applications related to melanoma, particularly for educational and clinical purposes. Standardising photographing techniques, improving diagnostic accuracy, and privacy issues are important aspects to consider and warrant further investigation.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Ioana Gherghescu ◽  
M. Begoña Delgado-Charro

Biosimilar medicines expand the biotherapeutic market and improve patient access. This work looked into the landscape of the European and US biosimilar products, their regulatory authorization, market availability, and clinical evaluation undergone prior to the regulatory approval. European Medicines Agency (EMEA, currently EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) repositories were searched to identify all biosimilar medicines approved before December 2019. Adalimumab biosimilars, and particularly their clinical evaluations, were used as a case study. In the past 13 years, the EMA has received 65 marketing authorization applications for biosimilar medicines with 55 approved biosimilars available in the EU market. Since the first biosimilar approval in 2015, the FDA has granted 26 approvals for biosimilars with only 11 being currently on the US market. Five adalimumab biosimilars have been approved in the EU and commercialized as eight different medicines through duplicate marketing authorizations. Whilst three of these are FDA-approved, the first adalimumab biosimilar will not be marketed in the US until 2023 due to Humira’s exclusivity period. The EU biosimilar market has developed faster than its US counterpart, as the latter is probably challenged by a series of patents and exclusivity periods protecting the bio-originator medicines, an issue addressed by the US’s latest ‘Biosimilar Action Plan’.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-335
Author(s):  
Rachel U. Mun ◽  
Vonna Hemmler ◽  
Susan Dulong Langley ◽  
Sharon Ware ◽  
E. Jean Gubbins ◽  
...  

Although the number of English learners (ELs) in the United States continues to increase, this population remains underserved by gifted and talented (GT) education programs across the nation. This underrepresentation represents a societal and research dilemma for reasons we address in this systematic review of the most effective practices documented to identify and serve ELs for GT programs. We examine 50 theoretical and empirical articles according to four major themes: nomination, screening/assessment, services, and identification models. We discuss identification recommendations, including outreach and professional learning to foster stakeholder recognition of GT potential in all ELs, an equitable referral process based on a multiple-lens approach, and observation of students completing problem-solving tasks. Finally, we address perceived best practices in serving GT ELs, including making accommodations for ELs in GT programs.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document