A systematic review of the effect of primary care-based service innovations on quality and patterns of referral to specialist secondary care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Innovations are proliferating at the primary-secondary care interface, affecting referral to secondary care and resource use. Evidence about the range of effects and implications for the healthcare system of different types of innovation have not previously been summarised.

Aim

To review the available evidence on initiatives affecting primary care referral to specialist secondary care.

Setting

Studies of primary-secondary care interface.

Method

Systematic review of trials, using adapted Cochrane Collaboration (effective practice and organisation of care) criteria. Studies from 1980 to 2001 were identified from a wide range of sources. Strict inclusion criteria were applied, and relevant clinical, service and cost data extracted using an agreed protoc

SUBMITTER: Faulkner A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1314732 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature