Nova Scotia is on a path to modernize and transform referrals for the services Nova Scotians need.
We are excited to share that planning has begun for a Diagnostic Imaging central intake office that will support these requests provincially.
A key part of our overall transformation efforts, this provincial multidisciplinary team will launch this summer/fall, building upon our electronic referral initiative.
Latest Updates:
- Hiring is ongoing for Referral Officer roles as well as Technologists
- General FAQs (updated Feb, 2025)
- Role specific FAQ's are being updated and will be shared soon.
- More FAQ's are in development
A Streamlined Approach:
Have you ever picked a grocery line and experienced the frustration of watching another line move faster?
With our Diagnostic Imaging provincial intake office, patients and referrers will no longer have to pick!
This intake approach will work like checkouts where everyone joins one line and goes to the next open teller when it's their turn.
Image
Source: Novari
At a glance:
- This patient-centered approach will build on our move to electronic referrals - www.referralsns.ca.
- Patients will no longer need to be referred to one Diagnostic Imaging location.
- They will instead join one provincial queue (waitlist) where teams will help connect them with timely and appropriate options.
- Site-based booking staff will continue to be responsible for scheduling patients that have been routed to their site.
- The intake office will support Diagnostic Imaging teams across Nova Scotia to work as one coordinated system to improve communication, balance waitlists, increase standardization and support quality and stewardship.
Why is this new approach needed?
- In the current system, communication and coordination between Diagnostic Imaging sites is fragmented and complex.
- Referrals are commonly faxed to multiple sites which causes duplicate appointments and imaging.
- Support for referrers around appropriate imaging and best practice guidelines is limited.
What progress has been made so far and what are the next steps?
- Work is underway to validate waitlists. This will detect duplicate referrals and patients who have already had exams to ensure an accurate picture of the demand for care.
- Diagnostic Imaging leaders, clinicians and staff are supporting One Person One Record design sessions, including sessions related to the Novari - Medical Imaging Requisition Management (MIRM) system. The intake team will use MIRM to manage requests.
- A manager was recruited in February to oversee the office and support planning, including efforts to recruit intake staff and engage physicians, staff and teams in the design of workflows.
- Recruitment for intake office staff is underway.
- An advisory group has been formed to help guide the planning. It includes Diagnostic Imaging leaders, staff and physicians from across the province.
Learn more:
We are committed to keeping leaders and teams engaged and informed as we advance this planning.
- Diagnostic Imaging Central Intake 101 information sessions (took place week of March 3rd) Watch the full recording here (Vimeo)
- Questions about Central Intake can also be sent to: DIIntake@nshealth.ca
