Closed loop referral management is key to Alberta Health Services’ commitment to safe and effective referral processes for patients, their families and healthcare providers. Now that Connect Care is better established in launched clinics, it is important to clarify our expectations of one another when referring patients for health services.
Where effective change is a shared accountability, a clear statement of "norms" can be helpful. Information, Communication, Documentation, Ordering and Minimum Use norms already guide Connect Care users.
Recognizing how much referrals depend upon coordinated workflows, we have recently drafted and released "Referral Norms" at the request of the Connect Care Executive Committee... and urge Connect Care community members to work together to assure closed loop referral management.