MSU Extension Extension Health Research

Rx for Health - a paper-based referral system

Developed and in use by MSU Extension from 2014 to 2019, the Rx for Health Referral Toolkit and Pad was a paper-based tool that healthcare providers and MSU Extension educators used to increase patients’ awareness and use of MSU Extension's free and low-cost community-based health education programs. Rx for Health was designed to help healthcare providers in building or maintaining a patient-centered medical home model of care (PCMH), since PCMH designation requires that patients are referred to community and social services. Rx for Health was found to be a simple and cost-effective way to achieve program referrals. In 2020, MSU Extension transitioned from a paper-based referral system to an electronic referral system to increase program referrals. There were many lessons learned in implementing Rx for Health and there remains intrinsic value in the materials and processes that were created.

Rx for Health pads were distributed by MSU Extension educators and personalized with their contact details. The referral pad itself could be used by anyone within the care office of a healthcare provider and it did not require any data keeping. Any categories recommended for the patient were checked with a pen or pencil. The tear-off sheet was given to the patient. For more information about past use of the paper-based Rx for Health referral toolkit and pad, please contact MSU Extension educator Holly Tiret. Outcomes from the pilot project which details the implementation and success of the Rx for Health Referral Tool Kit are published.  

Tiret, H., Eschbach, C. L., & Newkirk, C. (2019). Rx for Health Referral Tool Kit techniques to promote Extension programs. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 7(3), 173-185. Retrieved from https://www.jhseonline.com/article/view/911

Rx for Health paper referral pad