Systems engineering analysis of diagnostic referral closed-loop processes.
Nehls N, Yap TS, Salant T, et al. Systems engineering analysis of diagnostic referral closed-loop processes. BMJ Open Qual. 2021;10(4):e001603. doi:10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001603.
Incomplete or delayed referrals from primary care providers to specialty care can cause diagnostic delays and patient harm. A systems engineering analysis was conducted to identify vulnerabilities in the referral process and develop a framework to close the loop between primary and specialty care. Low reliability processes, such as workarounds, were identified and human factors approaches were recommended to improve successful referral rates.