Quality of patient referral information for open-access endoscopic procedures

BackgroundIncreased demand for endoscopic procedures has led to the provision of these services without prior consultation (open access). The need for accurate medical referral information for these patients is vital for patient safety.ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of endoscopic referral information.DesignOver a 4-month study period, patient referral forms were evaluated to determine the accuracy of medical information on patient referral forms by using direct interview with the patient and/or the caregiver. Inconsistencies were validated against medical records.SettingLarge academic medical clinic.PatientsA total of 868 open-access patient referrals for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy services.Main Outcome MeasurementsReferral information about medical diagnoses, medications, allergies, need for antibiotic administration, and current coagulopathies.ResultsInaccurate medical referral information was provided to the endoscopist in 8.8% of referrals (n = 76). Among referrals containing errors, there were a total of 95 significant medical information errors, which, if left undetected by preprocedure review, could have resulted in serious adverse consequences for patients undergoing endoscopy.LimitationsStudy limited to an academic clinical setting.ConclusionsPatient referrals for endoscopic services in an open-access referral system contain unacceptably high numbers of errors, which place patients at risk for adverse outcomes from endoscopic procedures.