Marshall, DeborahFyie, Kenneth Alan2012-12-042013-06-152012-12-042012Fyie, K. A. (2012). An Evaluation of the Primary-to-Specialist Referral System for Elective Hip and Knee Replacements in Alberta (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/24861http://hdl.handle.net/11023/334Introduction: Long waiting times for elective surgical procedures in the Canadian healthcare system are a concern for patients, physicians, and governments. Objective: To measure how changes in elective hip and knee arthroplasty referral processing for primary-to-specialist surgical consultations may impact accessibility, referral appropriateness, and efficiency. Methods: I documented current referral practices by conducting semi-structured interviews with clinical staff at three Alberta hip and knee musculoskeletal clinics, determined accessibility and referral appropriateness outcomes by reviewing 218 patient charts, and efficiency outcomes by conducting time studies at each clinic. Using scenario analyses, I estimated expected system-related improvements from implementing an electronic referral tool. Results: 20-54% of received referrals were incomplete or incorrectly directed, with involuntary waits accounting for 11-15% of waiting times. Implementing electronic referral could reduce inappropriate referrals, waiting time, and reduce staff time to process referrals by 20-25%. Conclusion: An electronic referral tool may reduce waiting times through streamlined referral practices.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Health Care ManagementPublic HealthWaiting listsHip and knee arthroplastyQuality of health careReferral and consultationmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/24861