The efficiency and quality of the care pathway for adult patients being referred to the East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Oral Surgery Services.

Abstract

To evaluate the quality of the care pathway for adult patients being referred to the East Lancashire Blackburn with Darwen Oral Surgery Service using the referral management system between 2013 and 2014. In the 2013–14 financial year, of the 5,285 referrals that were made to the Oral Surgery Service, 1,962 (37%) were directed to a primary care location for management. After being referred to a primary care location, 92% of patients had been seen within eight weeks. In total, £232,320 was paid to the providers for their service. The East Lancashire Blackburn with Darwen Oral Surgery Services delivered in primary care was found to be effective, with a good standard of quality care. There is ease of access in the community, and reduced waiting times for treatment. It is cost effective with a decreased spend to secondary care. However, there were no cost savings to the commissioners, as overall secondary care activity has not reduced.