ArticleBMJ paediatrics open2025
Lighting the way: the LANTERN system for children's autism referrals to enhance triage effectiveness and navigate frontline timely support.
Article in BMJ paediatrics open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Factors Associated with Extreme Waiting Times for Child Developmental Diagnostic Assessments: A Mixed-Methods Service Evaluation in Sydney.Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
objectivesTo evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the Layered Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Needs, Evaluation of Referrals and Navigation of support (LANTERN) triage system developed to improve referral quality, reduce unnecessary delays and enhance support for children referred for autism diagnostic assessment.
designService improvement informed by action-based methodology and clinical audit, employing descriptive analysis of administrative and outcome data.
settingA UK National Health Service community paediatric service covering 59 000 children aged 4-16.
participantsAll referrals to the neurodevelopmental pathway for autism assessment from April 2019 to March 2025.
interventionThe LANTERN system incorporates senior diagnostician-led triage, expanded evidence review and detailed guidance for families and referrers.
main outcome measuresReferral volume and acceptance rates, rates per 1000 population, patient experience via friends and family test and cost-effectiveness.
resultsReferral rates fell 25% over 5 years, and acceptance rates dropped from 79.6% (2019-2020) to 61% (2024-2025), compared with 92% in the wider region. LANTERN achieved a local referral rate of 4 per 1000 versus 33 system-wide. 'Good' or 'very good' family satisfaction rose from 35% to 95%. The system incurred an annual cost of £58 695 but avoided £96 025 in assessments not indicated, yielding a net saving of ~£37 330.
conclusionsThe LANTERN system reduced assessments not indicated while improving family satisfaction and support for children, families and referrers. A senior-led, evidence-informed triage can enhance quality and efficiency in the autism diagnostic pathway.
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