Referral proforma

Referral proformas are in line with Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) referral standards and Evidence Based Intervention (EBI) guidelines, and are site specific with sub-specialty specific questions, including appropriate diagnostics. 

The aim is to streamline the referrals and improve the patient journey to ensure patients get the right treatment, at the right time, by the right person.  The proformas have been adapted for use by FCP (First Contact Practitioners) and MSK teams in the single point of access hubs.

The referring clinician has the benefit of a user-friendly referral form that is easier to complete, whilst at the same time including all the essential information that is required by secondary care clinicians. This results in a fast-track triage and reduces duplication in diagnostics, and in turn a higher conversion to procedural intervention where required. Pilots run in south-west London boroughs with a plan to gather robust data to measure the impact of using the referral proformas. FCP’s and MSK Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners use these forms when referring patients to the Orthopaedic teams at Epsom and St Helier University Hospital, Croydon University Hospital, Kingston Hospital, St Georges University Hospital and the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

Successful implementation will require engagement from local Primary Care Networks, GP and MSK teams, with adaptation to local pathways, population needs and integration with local IT systems.  Different solutions are being explored to support GPs in their referral processes.

The referral proforma are available to view and download on FutureNHS:
Referral Proforma – Getting It Right First Time – FutureNHS Collaboration Platform