Abstract

Background & Objectives: The main role of emergency care involves providing immediate treatment and attention to patients with life threatening conditions. Critical patients are referred to the emergency department through primary medical services. In this study we reviewed referrals made to the Emergency Department (ED) from primary health care facilities in order to maintain adequate and quality care to patients in need of emergency services.

Methods: Patient hospital records were reviewed and analyzed over a period of 3 months. We included all patients who were referred to our ED through primary health care services during this period. Data was collected on the date, time, indication for referral, triage level, diagnosis, and outcome.

Results: In this study with 1094 patients, referrals for patients below 14 years (59.1%) were higher compared to adult referrals (40.9%). The leading causes of referral from all primary health centers to our ED was trauma and injury related (28.8%). This was followed by conditions presenting with abdominal pain (11.3%) and respiratory problems (9.7%). Most of these referrals were safely discharged without the need for further follow up.

Conclusion: The findings in our study despite the small number and time period of the study provide useful preliminary basis for further research in this area as well as development in the referral system planning and modification.

Keywords: Emergency Medical Services, Primary Health Care, Quality of Health Care, Referral and Consultation