The Nova Scotia Health Authority Cancer Care Program has implemented a streamlined referral process designed to enhance efficiency and ensure timely access to specialist care for patients across the province. This unified system simplifies the referral pathway for hematology (both benign and malignant conditions), medical oncology, and radiation oncology, utilizing a single referral form and standardized procedures. Please note that gynecology oncology referrals follow a separate process, detailed elsewhere.
To facilitate the smooth processing, appropriate triage, and prompt scheduling of new patient appointments, it is crucial that all referrals for medical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology (benign and malignant) are complete and include the following essential components:
- Cancer Care Program Referral Form (PDF Link Available Below): This standardized form is the cornerstone of the referral process, ensuring all necessary patient information is collected systematically.
- Comprehensive Referral Letter: A detailed referral letter is required, outlining the specific reason for referral, a thorough history of the present illness, and relevant past medical history to provide context for the patient’s condition.
- Completion of Disease Site-Specific Investigations: Prior to referral, ensure the completion of relevant disease site-specific investigations as outlined by Nova Scotia Health Authority guidelines. Access the specific requirements and detailed information at disease site-specific investigations.
- Accessible Investigation Reports: All investigation reports and results must be readily accessible within electronic health systems or submitted directly with the referral to ensure efficient review by specialists.
- Addressing Incomplete Investigations: In situations where a required investigation or information is unavailable due to patient limitations, contraindications, or anticipated excessive wait times, a clear explanation must be included within the referral letter. This proactive communication helps prevent the referral from being returned and causing delays in patient care.
Important Considerations for Referral Submissions:
- Incomplete Referrals: It is critical to understand that incomplete referrals will be returned to the referring provider without being processed. The responsibility for ensuring a complete referral rests with the referring provider, including re-submission of all necessary documentation.
- Patient Communication: Prior to referral, healthcare providers are expected to inform patients about their cancer diagnosis (or potential cancer diagnosis) and explicitly communicate that a referral to a cancer specialist has been initiated. Transparent communication is vital for patient understanding and engagement in their care pathway.
- Support for Patients Outside Central Zone: For patients residing outside the Central Zone, providers are strongly encouraged to refer them to a Cancer Patient Navigator. These navigators offer invaluable resources and support, specifically tailored to address the unique needs of patients in non-central areas, including assistance with travel logistics and access to community-based services. More information about Cancer Patient Navigators can be found at Cancer Patient Navigator.
This province-wide referral process is strategically designed to optimize patient triage, accelerate appointment scheduling, and ensure that cancer specialists have immediate access to all necessary test results and investigative findings before the patient’s initial consultation. This proactive approach aims to enhance the efficiency of the consultation and improve the overall patient experience.
As part of this streamlined single intake system, patients will be scheduled to see an appropriate specialist at the cancer centre closest to their location, whether in Halifax, Sydney, or a community-based cancer care site. It is important to note that patients requiring highly specialized or subspecialist treatment may be seen in Halifax, irrespective of their residential location, to ensure access to the most appropriate level of expertise for their specific needs.
