NUHS Harmonised Clinical Referral and One Appointment System for Faster Scheduling Turnaround Time
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2022
Reduce referral turnaround time for NUHS appointments using harmonized workflows and automation. Streamlined referral processes significantly improved efficiency and patient access to care.
Year Submitted: 2022
Published Date: 31 December 2022
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Access To Care, Turnaround Time, Referral Rate, Operational Management, Resource Allocation, Productivity, Time Saving
About this Content
Aims
Reduce referral turnaround time for NUHS appointments using harmonized workflows and automation.
Background
Referral processes were time-consuming, averaging 5.1 days and involving multiple touchpoints.
Methods
Harmonized clinical criteria, referral workflows, and implemented the oneNUHS Appointment System.
Results
Referral turnaround time reduced from 5.1 days to 1.8 days; errors decreased from 5/month to 1/month.
Conclusion
Streamlined referral processes significantly improved efficiency and patient access to care.
Lessons Learnt
Collaboration with operations, clinicians, and IT was critical for aligning workflows.
Keywords
Workflow Redesign, Scheduling, Referral Time, Automation, Patient Access
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Alexandra Hospital, Jurong Community Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Evonne Ho |
Project Member(s) | Marissa Tan |
Connect with this contributor!
Evonne Ho - evonne_jy_ho@nuhs.edu.sg