Bangkok Chain Hospital Public Company Limited has launched the Electronic Patient Referral System (e-Refer) to further enhance the quality of patient care. The initiative aims to improve continuity of cancer treatment, reduce delays in the referral process, and strengthen the efficiency of care chain management across its hospital network, under the principle of sustainable medical resource management.

Addressing Challenges in Cancer Patient Referral

Cancer treatment—particularly specialized care such as radiotherapy—requires timely coordination, high accuracy, and access to complete medical information. In the past, hospitals within the network that were unable to provide certain specialized treatments had to refer patients to external facilities. These conventional referral processes often involved extensive paperwork, complex coordination among multiple parties, and uncertainty in waiting times, which could delay treatment and negatively affect patient experience.

e-Refer: Transforming Referrals into an Integrated System

The e-Refer system was developed as a centralized digital platform to seamlessly connect cancer patient information across the hospital network. It supports the entire care process—from diagnosis and treatment planning to appointment scheduling and referral to specialized cancer centers. Physicians and medical staff can access patient information in advance, enabling effective planning of treatment, staffing, and medical resources.

Tangible Benefits for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

The implementation of e-Refer helps minimize risks associated with incomplete medical information, reduces unnecessary postponements or changes in treatment plans, and allows patients to enter the treatment process more promptly. At the same time, healthcare professionals’ benefit from reduced administrative workload and coordination efforts, allowing them to dedicate more time to direct patient care.

Improving Resource Efficiency and Organizational Sustainability

Beyond clinical outcomes, the e-Refer system reduces reliance on referrals to external hospitals, lowers unnecessary operational costs, and enhances the overall efficiency of medical resource utilization. This strengthens the resilience and long-term sustainability of the company’s healthcare service network.

Digital Technology for a Sustainable Healthcare System

The e-Refer project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability by leveraging digital technology to improve access to quality healthcare, ensure continuity of care, enhance patient safety, and optimize resource use. These efforts contribute to building a robust and sustainable healthcare system for Thai society in the long term.

• The e-Refer system enhances continuity and timeliness of cancer treatment, particularly for patients under the social security scheme, by enabling access to specialized care through a structured and integrated referral process. (Target 3.8) Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and affordable medicines and vaccines for all
• The system supports healthcare professionals by providing advance access to complete medical information, allowing effective treatment planning and more efficient use of medical personnel and resources. (Target 3.c) Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce

• The project establishes a digital healthcare infrastructure that connects cancer patient referral processes across the hospital network in a standardized and reliable manner. (Target 9.1) Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure
• By applying digital technology to referral management, the e-Refer system strengthens innovation and enhances technological capability within the healthcare service delivery system. (Target 9.5) Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities and encourage innovation

• The standardized referral process helps reduce disparities in access to specialized cancer treatment among patients from different hospitals within the network. (Target 10.2) Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all
• The system minimizes inequality in treatment outcomes caused by limitations in hospital capabilities, data availability, and referral efficiency. (Target 10.3) Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome

• The e-Refer system improves efficiency in the use of medical resources by reducing duplication in referral and treatment processes. (Target 12.2) Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Digitalization of referral procedures reduces paper use and unnecessary administrative steps, contributing to waste reduction and more responsible resource management. (Target 12.5) Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

• By reducing unnecessary patient travel and paper-based processes, the e-Refer system contributes to lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with healthcare service delivery. (Target 13.2) Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies and planning
• The project supports organizational efforts to integrate climate considerations into operational planning through the adoption of digital healthcare solutions. (Target 13.3) Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change

"BCH aims to enhance sustainable care chain management through the e-Refer patient referral system. "