eHealth NSW in partnership with the Ministry of Health is delivering state-based eReferral forms as part of the Engage Outpatients program. eReferrals enable GPs and primary care referrers to refer to NSW public outpatient clinics, using a secure digital system, rather than fax or email.
eReferral forms have recently launched in select outpatient clinics across Western Sydney, South Eastern Sydney, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Central Coast, and Far West local health districts.
Over 40,000 referrals have been processed through the electronic Referral Management System (eRMS), from more than 3,000 GP practices in NSW, as of the end of June 2024.
Standardised eReferral forms
Standardised eReferral forms support accurate patient information, with pre-populated data and the ability to include relevant test results such as pathology or imaging at the point of referral.
Digitising the referral process saves time, enables secure submission of patient information and improves communication between referrers, patients and outpatient clinics.
A recent survey of GPs using eReferrals showed 95% of those who responded agreed the system streamlined referral processes, reduced administrative burden and improved communication.
Benefits of eReferrals for primary care
eReferrals allow GPs and primary care clinicians to send referrals directly from their practice management software to select outpatient clinics in NSW.
eReferrals provide many benefits including:
- standardised and auto-populated patient information
- secure electronic submission
- improved privacy and security of patient information
- visibility of local services and specialists
- notification of referral receipt and outcome
- electronically attach pathology or diagnostic results to support the referral
- update the original referral electronically
- save time and money with reduced paper, post and faxing costs
- reduced administration for GP practices and outpatient clinics, creating more time for patient care.
“eReferrals are easy to use and save time. With the click of a few buttons, I can add the necessary patient information and reports to support an outpatient assessment. I often send an eReferral while still chatting to my patient.”
"When using eReferrals, I know it has gone to the right clinic. I get a response that it’s been received and of the referral outcome plus the patient is also notified"
- Dr Annabel Kain, general practitioner, Erskinville Doctors.
Co-designing a solution
NSW Health’s eReferral forms have been co-designed by members across allied health, nursing, medical officers, GPs and other primary care referrers to ensure condition-specific information is captured to support effective patient assessment.
The collaborative efforts of GPs, primary health networks and NSW Health clinicians have been crucial in the development of eReferral forms that meet the needs of end users and enable NSW Health outpatient services to digitally receive and manage referrals safely and efficiently.
Learn more about NSW Health eReferrals and the Engage Outpatients program.
