The Community-Referred Radiology scheme: an evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the Community-Referred Radiology (CRR) scheme.


METHODS
The study involved: (1) interviews with local stakeholders; (2) analysis of the number, type, and cost of referrals as well as sociodemographic characteristics of patients using the CRR database (for the year October 2003-October 2004); and (3) review of referral criteria, by an independent radiologist, of a random sample of 100 referrals.


RESULTS
The scheme was widely used, and was viewed as being highly satisfactory by general practitioners. There were 117 types of radiology investigation ordered. Chest X-ray was the most requested investigation. Women constituted 65.5% of users. Maori had a lower rate of referral compared with New Zealand (NZ) European. The average cost of investigation in the NZ European and the 'Not stated' groups was higher than in other ethnic groups. Six (6.1%) of referrals did not align with the National Radiology Referral Guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
The CRR scheme is perceived as being a popular, well-run, and streamlined service. The comparatively low rate of radiology referral for Maori people and people living in the most deprived areas as well as the lower average cost of their tests warrant further investigation. A number of recommendations are made aimed at further enhancing the scheme.
Crampton
Peter
P
Department of Public Health, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington. peter.crampton@otago.ac.nz
Bhargava
Anuj
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011871:Radiology / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors