Spigelman, Allan D., Pascoe, Shane W., Harris, Mark F., Beilby, Justin J., Crossland, Lisa J., Gett, Rohan M., Barton, Michael B., and Jayasinghe, Upali W. (2013) Referral pathways in colorectal cancer: an audit of surgeons' records. Australian Health Review, 37 (4). pp. 449-452.

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Abstract

Purpose: To explore the referral pathways of patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer to surgeons.

Method: Australian surgeons from three states completed a questionnaire and their records were audited.

Results: Thirty-three surgeons provided data on 530 patients seen in the preceding 12 months. The median time between colonoscopy and first surgical consult was 10 days, with 19% of patients waiting more than 28 days. After adjustment for clustering, no surgeon factors were associated with the number of days between colonoscopy and surgery. A report back to the general practitioner (GP) was found in 78% of patients' records. This feedback varied between surgeons but none of the specific surgeon characteristics examined could explain this.

Conclusion: Surgeons usually communicated with GP regardless of whether they were the referral source. However, communication with GP varied considerably among surgeons, with no evidence of a report to the GP in one-fifth of cases.

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