Changes to Inpatient ABI Rehabilitation Referral Process

Effective October 1, 2015, the Toronto ABI Network will no longer manage a centralized wait list for access to inpatient ABI rehabilitation.

Why the change?

Over the past five years, the total number of referrals to inpatient ABI rehabilitation and community-based services received by the Network has increased by 55 percent. At the same time, the referral process has undergone a change: the majority of referrals for inpatient ABI rehabilitation now flow through the Resource Matching & Referral (RM&R) system and patient flow is working well. As a result, a centralized wait list for inpatient ABI rehabilitation is no longer needed the way it once was.

Freeing up staff time to focus on the growing number of referrals for community-based services will allow the Network to better meet the needs of people with an ABI and service providers.

What does it mean for you?

The inpatient referral process remains the same. For organizations using RM&R, the only difference is that referrals will no longer flow through the Network’s hands first. For organizations that fax referrals, the Network will process and facilitate the referral as always. Although there is no longer a centralized wait list, the Network will continue to monitor inpatient referrals with acute care and inpatient rehab partners to ensure there are no flow issues and all patients have equitable access.

The early notification process also remains the same. All organizations will continue to fax the Early Notification Form to the Network. Because there is no longer a centralized wait list, an early notification will not “hold a place” for a patient. However, the Network will continue to track these patients (especially those who have been repatriated) and provide support to health service providers to ensure patients are ultimately transitioned to the specialized ABI programs they require as beds become available.

All forms are available on our website at www.abinetwork.ca.

Remember – we’re here to help

The Network is always available to help you navigate the referral system, especially for complex ABI patients. Questions? Call us at 416-597-3057 or email us at abi.network@uhn.ca.