Ager Befekadu (MPH)* and Taye Zeru (MPH)
Introduction: A referral system is the interrelationships and coordination of patient care services from one health care facility to another. It connects patients with health care providers and ensures that they receive the necessary care and thus improving the quality of care for the patient through better coordination and management of services between facilities. However, despite the growing awareness of problems associated with referrals among health care providers there is no study conducted to improve referral systems by assessing levels of awareness of referral and feedback services among higher professionals in primary and tertiary level health care providers. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of referral and feedback system among higher level health care provider in primary and tertiary level health care providers Amhara region, Ethiopia.
Method: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 30 to October 30, 2021 among primary and tertiary level health care, Amhare region. Random sampling technique used to select 223 participants. Self- administer questionnaire used to collect the data. Bivariabl and multivariable logistic regressions performed to see the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable.
Result: More than half (54.7%) of higher level health care providers had good knowledge of referral system. Only (15.2%) (95% CI: 10, 20) of respondents had good knowledge of feedback. Factor associated with knowledge of referral system was interdepartmental protocol [AOR: = 2.2, 95% CI: (1.08, 4.51)]. Sex [AOR: =4.5, CI 95% (1.03- 19.97)], follow up (AOR= 2.40, CI 95%
(1.13, 5.13)] Were also significantly associated with knowledge of feedback system.
Conclusion and recommendation: A total of (54.7%) of the respondents had good knowledge of referral systems. Only 15.2% of higher level professionals were good knowledge of feedback. About 157(70%) of respondents did not write feedback. The reasons not written feedback were 56(25.1%) workload, 46 (20%) lack of feedback form and 33(14.8%) lack of awareness. Interdepartmental protocol, Sex and follow up were associated with referral and feedback systems respectively. So efforts need to strength follow up systems and female professionals should increase knowledge of feedback systems through highly practice of referral systems. And, every health facility should avail and adhere interdepartmental protocol to increase knowledge of referral system.
Published Date: 2023-03-31; Received Date: 2023-03-03
