Impact of the single point of access referral system to reduce waiting times and improve clinical outcomes in an assistive technology service

Abstract

The introduction of a single point referral system that prioritises clients depending on case complexity and overcomes the need for re-admittance to a waiting list via a review system has been shown to significantly reduce maximum waiting times for a Posture and Mobility (Special Seating) Service from 102.0 ± 24.33 weeks to 19.2 ± 8.57 weeks (p = 0.015). Using this service model linear regression revealed a statistically significant improvement in the performance outcome of prescribed seating solutions with shorter Episode of Care completion times (p = 0.023). In addition, the number of Episodes of Care completed per annum was significantly related to the Episode of Care completion time (p = 0.019). In conclusion, it is recommended that it may be advantageous to apply this service model to other assistive technology services in order to reduce waiting times and to improve clinical outcomes.

Keywords:

• Seating
• referral
• service design
• waiting times
• single point of access

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the contribution of Damien Chick, chair of the SE Wales client forum, and the staff of the Cardiff Rehabilitation Engineering Unit for the collection of annual audit data upon which this study draws.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the writing and content of the paper.