Referral is a process in which a
health worker at a one level of the health system, having insufficient
resources (drugs, equipment, skills) to manage a clinical condition, seeks the help
of a better or differently resourced facility at the same or higher level to
assist in. Referral system plays a vital role in management of diseases in any
healthcare system.
An effective
referral system ensures a close relationship between all levels of the health
system and helps to ensure people receive the best possible care closest to
home. It also assists in making cost-effective use of hospitals and primary
health care services.
Objectives of Referral-
1. To take expert opinion for the
patient.
2. To get additional health services
for the patient.
3. To seek better treatment of the
patient.
4. To provide super specialty
services for the patient.
5. To seek high end diagnostic and
therapeutic tools.
Principles of referral system –
1. Before referral referring
physician should exhaust available facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Patients should be given optimal
care at the right level, right time and right cost.
3. Optimal and cost-efficient
utilization of health care systems.
4. Optimal and appropriate
utilization of specialist services for needy persons.
5. Optimal utilization of primary health
care services
Process of referral-
Referring physician should
prepare a referral slip or client referral form. The health facility that
starts the referral process is called the
initiating facility, and they prepare an outward referral to communicate the client condition and status. The
receiving facility must return the client back to the initiating facility for
proper follow up.
Client referral form
1.
The
client referral form is standardized throughout the referral network to ensure
that the same essential information is conveyed by referring and receiving
organizations.
2.
The
form is divided into two sections:
a.
Part
A, the referral slip, is completed by the organization making the referral
(referring organization).
b.
Part
B, services provided, is completed by the organization fulfilling the referral
(receiving organization).
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