This text investigates the mechanisms, patterns, and quality improvement strategies surrounding the referral process from primary care to hospital specialists. Angela Coulter and Martin Roland compile contributions from field experts to establish a framework for analyzing referral data, auditing clinical practices, and fostering better communication between family practitioners and hospital-based consultants.

Experts and practitioners in health service management identify this as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of the referral process. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose and the utility of the extensive referencing for those involved in health policy and clinical auditing.