The cost of rejection: an internal audit of the clinical genetics service active triage pathway at CHI Crumlin, Ireland

Abstract

Background: Clinical genetics is an under-resourced service in the Republic of Ireland. There can be a number of avenues that lead to barriers in patient triage noted within the department.

Aims: To evaluate the reasons for referral rejection in the triage pathway. To identify the time and cost implications.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of rejected referrals consecutively triaged by one consultant was undertaken over an 18-month period. Calculation of costs used data from a previous study.

Results: The consultant rejected 128/1581 (8.3%) of referrals. The rejection reasons included the following: 75% had not included the family/patient genetic report, 10% were conditions not accepted by our service, 8% redirected to other specialities, 3% given written advice in lieu of appointment and 4% for other reasons. Follow-up information was requested on 78% of rejected referrals. For 57% this was received; in 43% no response was received, and these cases remain closed. Median response time was 33 days. Of those who sent back appropriate information, 39% remain on waiting list, 50% attended OPD or were given appropriate advice, 5% did not attend and 4% had alternative follow-up pathways. The estimated time cost of rejected referrals equated to 88.5 h (59 h/year). Using this as our cost of rejection letter, it equated €11,878.4/year departmental cost.

Conclusion: The majority of referrals are rejected for non-enclosure of patient genetic reports. Many referrals would have accepted to the waiting list if the appropriate report had been attached. This means patients at risk of genetic disorders are not accessing clinical services because the referrer is not providing the necessary information to allow triage. Active management of the waiting list via upfront letters is costly, with a 57% response rate. Should similar rejection rates exist in other specialities, we estimate this would equate to a cost of €2,714,214.40/year to the HSE.

Keywords: Clinical genetics; Cost; Ireland; Pathway; Reject; Triage.