Direct Access - Urgent Colonoscopy
Past Projects
Find on this page information regarding a past project which involved the developing and implementing of the direct access referral tool for urgent colonoscopy.
Direct Access Referral Tool Developed for Urgent Colonoscopy
The Urgent Colonoscopy pathway was reviewed as part of a Ministry of Health funded pilot project to investigate alternatives to face-to-face assessment of patients. The Alternative Pathways For New Patients project was set up to pilot alternatives in the Colonoscopy and Cataract streams.
The direct access referral tool developed for urgent colonoscopy was implemented on an ongoing basis at the end of the pilot, however regular audits are occurring to ensure the new referral method is functioning effectively.
Work is also underway to expand the referral tool to include gastroscopy and to develop local referral and management guidelines for non-urgent endoscopy.
The Alternative Pathways for New Patients project recently won the Process Improvement category and Supreme Award in the 2007 West Coast Community Health Awards. The project is also a finalist in the Excellence in Process Improvement category for the 2008 New Zealand Health Innovation Awards.
Contact
For further information please contact Alison McDougall.
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