REGINA — The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) launched a new surgery referral intake system in February.
According to the SHA, the intake system enhances information flow by centrally co-ordinating, tracking, and monitoring all referrals for hip and knee replacement surgeries in Saskatchewan. It improves patient decision-making and control by giving patients their choice of location and then connecting patients with the most appropriate surgeon based on their preferences, the SHA says.
Adoption of the centralized referral process has been rapid and extensive by both referring physicians and surgeons – who have indicated patients value more timely access to care. Already, 32 orthopedic surgeons are participating in the initiative across five surgical locations.
“For patients, the system greatly improves their quality of care and it standardizes their care across all SHA facilities,” said Dr. Joan Wheat Hozack, an orthopedic surgeon based in Lloydminster and the SHA Surgical NW area lead.
“When you have more control and can play a bigger part in your own surgical referral decision-making process you’ll have a better overall experience with the health system, from being more involved in your medical journey to better surgical outcomes and recoveries.”
