Quality improvement of referrals to a department of restorative dentistry following the use of a referral proforma by referring dental practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality improvement of new patient referrals to a restorative department comparing a standard referral proforma and a normal referral letter.


METHODS
A prospective analysis of a consecutive sample of all referral letters and replied proforma until a total of 100 had been achieved.


METHODS
The study covered the period from November 2000 to June 2001. Once the letters and corresponding proforma were matched, they were compared for data capture and hence quality.


RESULTS
There was an increase in 29.3% of information provided. Specific categories of data showed high increases such as patient's telephone number, relevant medical history, treatment already given, recorded signs and symptoms, urgency of the referral and whether treatment or advice was requested.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the quality of restorative referral increased with the use of a referral proforma.
Djemal
S
S
The Royal London Dental Hospital, New Road, London E1 1BB. serpil.djemal@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
Chia
M
M
Ubaya-Narayange
T
T
D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D003792:Dental Records; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*