What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

The challenge addressed is the inefficiency in healthcare referrals, causing long waiting lists and increased specialist workload. By enabling GPs to order pre-operative labs, the project bridges the gap between primary and specialist care, improving coordination across system boundaries to enhance overall efficiency and patient care.

What does your project aim to achieve?

This project aims to streamline healthcare referrals, reduce waiting lists, and alleviate specialist workload by empowering GPs with the ability to order pre-operative labs.

How will the project be delivered?

The project will be delivered by implementing guidelines for GPs to order pre-operative labs, coordinating with appointment teams to ensure timely orders, and potentially extending the approach to other common conditions, thereby optimizing the healthcare referral process and improving efficiency.
It doesn’t require any money because these are staffs that every trusts has.

How is your project going to share learning?

The project will share learning through documentation of implementation processes, outcomes, and challenges. Findings will be disseminated through presentations, publications, and workshops within Quality Improvement networks. Insights gained will inform best practices for healthcare referral optimization, benefiting both Q members and the wider healthcare system across the UK and Ireland.