Central-Intake

Central Intake

Purpose: To implement a centralized, province-wide electronic referral and intake system in Saskatchewan that enables the digital creation, submission, tracking, and management of referrals. This system will streamline processes, reduce delays, and improve access to services across the province. 

Partners involved:

  • eHealth Saskatchewan
  • Saskatchewan Health Authority
  • Ministry of Health

Approach: Phased implementation starting with Medical Imaging in Phase 1

Key Benefits:

  • Single point of contact for referrals - streamlines the referral process for clinicians, reducing administrative burden and improving coordination
  • Optimized resource utilization - enhanses existing system and service capacity, helping to reduce wait times
  • Foundation for future expansion – established the infrastructure for a provincial e-referral system, enabling future integration of additional service lines
Benefits to Patients:
  • ​Equitable access to care – ensures fair access to services regardless of location
  • Reduced wait times – faster access to services through streamlined referrals
  • No need to repeat their story – centralized system ensure patient information is shared efficiently across providers
  • Referral and order tracking – clinicians can view the status of their referrals
  • Less duplication of services – centralized process or accessing services and improved coordination
  • Equitable access to care – ensures fair access to services regardless of location
  • Enhanced patient experience – a more seamless, transparent, and supportive health care journey
​Benefits to providers:
  • Reduced time spent gathering information –centralized access to referral and medical information streamlines workflows and enhanced efficiency
  • Lower administrative burden and costs – automation and standardization reduce manual tasks and paperwork
  • Improved access to complete patient information – clinicians can make better-informed decisions at the point of care
  • Enhanced information exchange – use of structured data and standardized terminology improves interoperability
  • Clinical decision support integration – integrated clinical decision support tools to help guide decisions
  • More time with patients – less time navigating systems means more meaningful patient interactions

Central Intake Project - Phase 1: Medical imaging

Objective: To implement a centralized booking and referral system for all MRI and CT services across Saskatchewan, improving access, efficiency and clinical appropriateness.