DigitalCommons@The Texas Medical Center

Title

CHARACTERIZING, ASSESSING AND IMPROVING HEALTHCARE REFERRAL COMMUNICATION

Author

Adol Esquivel, The University of Texas School of Health Information Sciences at Houston

Date of Award

12-2008

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Advisory Committee

Kim Dunn, M.D., Ph.D.; James P. Turley, R.N, Ph.D.; Jiajie Zhang, Ph.D.; Dov Te’eni; Ph.D.

Keywords

Healthcare Referrals, Referral Communication; Referral and Consultation

Abstract

Background and purpose: The concept of healthcare referral in the outpatient setting has no consistent, common or accepted definition in the literature. The lack of a clear definition is a barrier to improving the referral process and conducting comparative research. This paper outlines the process of the development of a conceptual definition and a model of outpatient referrals in healthcare.

Method: We conducted a concept analysis informed by an integrative review of the literature to clearly define referrals in healthcare. Results: We identified 12 defining attributes of healthcare referrals in the outpatient setting. These 12 defining attributes include all the necessary steps to transfer the care of the patient from the referring provider to a secondary service or provider, and back to the referring provider’s care when and if appropriate. We propose a conceptual definition and a model of referrals in healthcare based on the 12 defining attributes of referrals.

Conclusion: The resulting conceptual definition and model provide a framework to conduct research and improve the referral process.

Recommended Citation

Esquivel, Adol, "CHARACTERIZING, ASSESSING AND IMPROVING HEALTHCARE REFERRAL COMMUNICATION" (2008). UT SHIS Dissertations. Paper 3.
http://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthshis_dissertations/3