Implementing self-referral involves:
- Understanding existing referral patterns from local GPs and identifying any that are currently under-referring to the service (referral rate below 50 per 1000 population). This makes it easier to ascertain if there is likely to be any long-term increase in referrals as a result of promoting the scheme. It is advisable to check any assumptions about referral rates with GPs.
- Gathering baseline data for referral rates and sources, categorisation of patients, activity and outcomes.
- Bringing waiting lists down to locally agreed standards if necessary and possible, before self-referral commences, as long waiting lists can discourage patients from self-referral.
- Ensuring that all members of the team including administrative, IT and managerial roles understand the purpose of the scheme and that supporting systems are working efficiently.
- Ensuring that all members of the team know what they can expect in terms of a potential initial increase in referrals followed by a return to normal levels within three months, provided there is currently no under-referral to the service.
- Informing GPs that self-referral will be offered and explaining how it works. Evidence suggests GPs are receptive to the initiative as it is likely to reduce their workload and increase patient autonomy. A GP will need to give permission to provide any patient leaflets about the scheme in their surgery, but GP permission is not required to implement self-referral.
- Having a clear marketing and communications plan. At a basic level the service can be marketed through leaflets and posters in GP surgeries.
- Promotion can also include online media, local media and engaging with local councils and community groups.
- Printing patient self-referral forms and making them available in GP surgeries. It helps to keep a record of where these materials are located so they can be replenished as required.
To support implementation, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has:
- Produced implementation tools for members.
- Undertaken a series of regional workshops set up a network of self-referral champions (offering self-referral for more than 2 years and willing to share expertise).
- set up an interactive support network.
- continued to work with members to develop more targeted implementation strategies (for example, local business cases, matching up of services who are offering self-referral with those who would like to develop it, to share good practice).
For further information, go to:
https://arms.evidence.nhs.uk/resources/qipp/29492/attachment