Descriptive analysis of transfer forms in a paediatric unit at Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura

Abstract

Introduction Transferring patients between health care institutions is an essential practice in Sri Lanka. All transfer patients are accompanied by a standard transfer form (Health 946). This provides essential infor mation regarding the patient to the receiving hospital. The objective of our study was to analyse the data available on transfer forms and to assess the outcome of these patients on arrival at the Paediat ric Unit B of Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura. Method A retrospective data analysis was carried out on transfer forms and patient records over a six-month period. Data analyzed included whether information requested on the form was provided, reason for transfer, time of transfer, average duration of hospital stay and outcome of the patient who was transferred. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Rajarata University. Results Of 150 transfers, 74(49.30%) were female and 76(49.70%) were male. 47(31.30%) were children less than one-year-old. Majority (125,83%) were from divisional hospitals. 43(28.7%) were transferred for “further investigations and management” while 34(22.7%) were transferred for respiratory tract infec tions. 65(43.30%) had been admitted to the local hospital on day one of illness and 63(45%) were transferred on the day of admission. 72(48%) did not require any intervention during the first 24 hours of transfer. Only 33(22%) needed some immediate intervention on admission and one needed intensive care. The most prominent diseases documented on discharge were lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in 32(21.30%), bronchiolitis in 23(15.30%), viral fever in 21(14%) and simple febrile convulsions in 12(8%). Conclusions The majority of transfer forms contained the required information. However, the reason for transfer was not specified in a third of the forms. More than a third were transferred on day one of illness and day one of the admission to the local hospital. Almost half of patients did not require any immediate intervention on transfer. The cost effectiveness of transferring paediatric patients between health care institutions needs further evaluation with a well-planned study.