New system for primary care referral advice

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has launched a database of its own recommendations when referring patients from primary care to secondary care.

The referral advice system features a library of published recommendations made by NICE on referring patients with conditions such as lower back pain, psoriasis and suspected cancer.

It highlights specific occasions where patients might benefit from secondary care or specialist services, and also identifies situations where referral is not necessary.

NICE hopes that the introduction of this database will help to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety, whilst also ensuring patients across the country receive the same level of care from their primary care services.

The referral advice system is also expected to help the NHS deliver the QIPP (Quality, Improvement, Productivity and Prevention) initiative.