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More than 100 physicians and health system leaders came together for a day-long solutions-oriented summit focused on referral and consultation concerns within Manitoba’s health system. 

Diagnosing problems, finding solutions: Doctors Manitoba hosted the first of its kind event in partnership with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and Shared Health. 

🎙️ ​“I am both a referring physician, and a consulting physician, and I see the inefficiencies and duplication on both sides,” explained Dr. Nichelle Desilets. ​“This is an issue that is overdue for action, and I am filled with hope that we can move towards a simpler health care system that lets us easily collaborate with each other.” 

💬 ​“Today is a really good example of what can happen when folks come together with patients at the heart of why we do this work,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara as they addressed the Summit participants. 

The program consisted of presentations, roundtable discussions, and a reflective concluding panel discussion. 

What we learned: Referring and consulting physicians waste an average of 30 – 40 hours per year on inefficient referral and requisition systems. For many, this contributes to frustration, moral distress, and burnout. For patients, they face delays, repeat testing, and potentially falling through the gaps. 

• Everyone agreed that it should be easier for physicians to collaborate together on patient care, in emergent, urgent, and elective or routine situations. 

• Participants focused on solutions to help referring physicians find the right consultant the first time, what information is needed in a referral, and where to send it. For consulting physicians, the discussion focused on solutions that can cut down on misdirected referrals and missing information. 

❓ Missed it? Don’t worry. You will have a chance to contribute – Stay tuned. 

What’s next: A formal report with recommendations will follow focused on solutions to make it easier for consulting and referring physicians to collaborate. Watch your Vitals Newsletter later this month for a preview of the recommendations and an opportunity to offer feedback.