Healthcare / Free editable template

Patient referral process flowchart template

A referral flowchart shows how a referral moves between organisations and teams, and where it can stall or bounce back. This example uses vertical lanes for the GP practice, referral hub, specialist, booking team and patient, covering incomplete referrals, three possible outcomes and the clinic letter back to the GP.

This is a planning example for process improvement, not clinical guidance. Follow your organisation's policies and clinical protocols.

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Preview the patient referral process flowchart

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Patient referral process flowchart example showing five vertical swimlanes, completeness check with resubmit loop, accept, advice-only and redirect outcomes
Everything in this example is editable. Replace the labels, move the shapes and adapt the layout to your work.

How to use this template

  1. Match the lanes to your pathway

    Rename the lanes for the teams involved, such as a single point of access or an independent provider. Remove the hub lane if referrals go straight to the specialist.

  2. List what makes a referral complete

    Agree the information a referral needs to pass the hub check and share it with referrers. Rejections for missing information add days, and a clear list is cheaper than a returned referral.

  3. Follow each outcome to the end

    Check that every branch finishes with someone telling the patient and GP what happens next. Redirected referrals often lose the patient in the gap between services.

Questions about this template

What does the resubmit loop on this chart show?

It is the route a referral takes when the hub finds it incomplete and sends it back to the GP. Add the common reasons beside it to show where referrals most often stall.

Do I need an account to use it?

No. Open the template and edit it in your browser. Your work saves on this device. An account is optional if you want to sync your workspace.

Can I export the finished diagram?

Yes. Use Export in the editor to save a PNG, SVG or PDF, or download an editable .epicdraw backup.

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