<p><strong>Dr Jim Rowan-Parry recently spoke to the PHN’s Digital Health Officers about his experience using GP Smart Referrals software, introduced within Queensland general practices during 2020.</strong> </p>
<p>GP Smart Referrals allows general practices to send referrals electronically through to Metro North Hospital and Health Service. </p>
<p>This enables faster, streamlined management and less double handling of referrals across our health service. </p>
<p>Dr Rowan Parry, a GP at Medical Matters in Murrumba Downs, had adapted quickly to using GP Smart Referrals, and said it was intuitive and allowed him to more efficiently process referrals. <br /></p>

<p>“Once you are comfortable with the layout it becomes very easy to know where the important bits are and where to add the information you are trying to communicate,” said Dr Rowan-Parry. </p>
<p>“It has helpful prompts as to what information should be included in the referral,” he said. </p>
<p>“GP Smart Referrals boasts an improved ability to attach pictures and ECGs to referrals. It also has a helpful feature to park a referral if I’m waiting for more information prior to sending it.” </p>
<p>Dr Rowan-Parry said that he is able to identify the specialist and hospital that matches the condition he is referring for; a function that saves him time but also means that patient referrals are handled more efficiently. </p>
<p>Dr Rowan-Parry also had a helpful hint for any new uses of GP Smart Referrals. </p>
<p>“Don’t open another patient’s notes midway through a referral as it confuses the software,” he said. </p>
<p>“If you do, when the prompt box tells you it is going to close (the initial patient’s record) as it recognises you’re on the wrong patient, switch to the correct patient again and select cancel, you can then continue to work on the referral without losing your prior work.” </p>
<p>For more information or request assistance using GP Smart Referrals contact the PHN’s Digital Health Officers via <a href="mailto:GPSR@brisbanenorthphn.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GPSR@brisbanenorthphn.org.au</a>. </p>
