The importance of adequate referrals for chronic kidney disease management in a regional Australian area of nephrologist workforce shortage

Abstract

Background and objectives Regional Australia remains a district of workforce shortage for nephrology. Thus, it is imperative that patients who have the greatest need for nephrologist services are effectively identified upon referral. The aim of this study was to assess referrals to a regional nephrology service against Australian guidelines by assessing the patient's renal function and the information contained in the referral document at the time of first consultation. Method We conducted a retrospective study of all referrals to a regional Australian nephrology service between 2013 and 2015. The 582 referrals that met the inclusion criteria were compared with Australian nephrology referral..