Research Articles

A blank page: feedback from first referral hospitals to primary health care clinics

T. L. Legodi, J. E. Wolvaardt
South African Family Practice | Vol 57, No 4 : July/August| a4238 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v57i4.4238 | ©
Submitted: 24 February 2015 | Published: 01 July 2015

About the author(s)

T. L. Legodi, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
J. E. Wolvaardt, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Full Text:

PDF (71KB)

Abstract

Background: Primary care practitioners depend on the feedback from hospitals in order to care for returning patients effectively. Lack of such feedback from the hospitals leads to frustration, poor efficiency and care that it is not cost effective. This study examined the presence and adequacy of written feedback from first referral hospitals to primary health clinics (PHC) in the Metsweding district, Tshwane, South Africa.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive stratified cluster study was done by reviewing 863 patient records selected randomly from referred patients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011 in 6 of the 11 clinics. The clinics were stratified according to type of setting and 6 clinics sampled proportionately.

Results: Of the 858 referrals only 5.4% (n = 46) had feedback letters. Details of the patient were listed in 35 (76.0%) of the feed - back letters. There were no contact details for the referring institution or practitioner in almost half of the feedback letters (41.8%; n = 19). Most did not mention the symptoms (87%; n = 40) or signs (89.2%; n = 41) but the majority (58.6%; n = 27) recorded the condition or diagnosis of the patient. The follow-up instructions were documented in 30 letters (65.2%).

Conclusions: The low rate of return feedback letters appears to be a commonplace experience and this study both quantifies the extent of this problem and highlights the weaknesses in the letters themselves. The findings reinforce the experiences of practitioners in PHCs and have practical implications for hospital doctors and district hospital managers who wish to strengthen the health system.


Keywords

communication; feedback; primary health care; referral

Metrics

Total abstract views: 1534
Total article views: 166


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.