Distinguishing variation in referral accuracy from referral threshold: analysis of a national dataset of referrals for suspected cancer.
Christopher David BurtonDavid J McLernonAmanda J LeePeter MurchiePublished in: BMJ open (2017)
This new method permits variation in referral to be described more precisely and quality improvement activities to be targeted. Changing referral thresholds without increasing accuracy will result in modest effects on detection rates and a large increase in demand on diagnostic services.