KNOWLEDGE OF REFERRAL AND FEEDBACK SYSTEM AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN BILLIRI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
*Agofure Otovwe and Absalom Baba
ABSTRACT
Aim: Referral of patients from one health facility to another is an important daily activity that safeguards good medical care to patients. However, there is poor referral documentation, information use and feedback mechanisms by the health professionals. In addition, there is no operational guideline and proper monitoring system that helps for enhanced information provision and utilization process in general. Therefore, the study investigated the knowledge of referral and feedback system among health workers in Billiri local government area (LGA) of Gombe State, Nigeria. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. Place and Duration of Study: Billiri in Gombe State, Nigeria, between March to May 2015. Methodology: The study utilised a two-stage sampling method in selecting the health facilities and study population. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information from respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of the referral system and knowledge of feedback system. The data were analysed using SPSS version 15.0. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.53±7.75 years. Majority of the respondents 134 (97.10%) and 122 (91.0%) had knowledge of referral system and follow-up after referral respectively. In the same vein, majority 109 (81.30%) also had knowledge of feedback in referral system; however rate of feedback of referred patients as highlighted by the respondents was inadequate. Conclusion: The health workers had knowledge of referral and feedback system; however the rate of feedback was inadequate. Therefore efforts should be made by all stakeholders to improve it.
Keywords: Knowledge of referral, Feedback system, Health workers, Follow-up, Billiri LGA.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]