Using Internet technology to refer patients to consultants

The National Health Service (NHS) is based on a primary health care model. A patient's first point of contact with the NHS is usually their general practitioner (GP). Often the GP is able to treat the patient but sometimes the GP decides to refer the patient to another doctor who specialises in the illness affecting the patient. These specialist doctors usually work in hospitals and are known as "consultants". The GP might ask the consultant for advice about the patient, or ask the consultant to take over management of the patient's condition. There are several factors that may affect the GP and patient's choice of consultant which are outlined. The article describes the design and implementation of an Internet based patient referral system which facilitates referral of a patient to an appropriate consultant.