Original Articles

A survey of transfer forms at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children

Authors:

Abstract

Objective To assess type and adequacy of information
provided by transfer forms (TFs) at two units of
Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRHC),
Colombo.

Design Prospective observational study.

Setting Wards 8 and 9 of LRHC.

Subjects All children transferred from other medical
institutions.

Method Study was carried out over 3 months from
15th March, 2002 on all patients transferred to wards
8 and 9 from another hospital. Type of information
provided in TFs was assessed and details taken into a
pre-tested questionnaire. The information was
analysed using Epi Info Version 6.04b.

Results A total of 172 TFs, accounting for 3% admissions,
were analysed. 74% transfers were under 5
years of age. Full name was not provided in 60%.
Race and religion were not given in 35% and 43%
respectively. Incomplete addresses were given in
10% and no addresses in 27%. Most transfers were
from teaching, provincial and base hospitals. In 54%
consultants had not signed TF and in 26%
designation of transferring officer was not provided.
Results of investigations were provided only in 57%.
In 74% there was neither a diagnosis card nor a
referral letter.
Main complaints and clinical signs were given in 74%
but details of patient's condition at time of transfer were
given in only 42%. Date of admission to transferring
institution was provided in only 18%. Treatment was
instituted at transferring station in 74% but only 15%
mentioned the date of starting treatment. In 30%
duration of treatment was provided and in only 13% was
date and time of last dose of drugs documented.

Conclusions There were significant inadequacies in
information provided in many TFs. A revised format
of printed TF should be adopted to minimize these
deficiencies.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2003; 32: 44-7

(Key words: transfer forms, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children)

doi: 10.4038/sljch.v32i2.727

 

Keywords:

transfer formsLady Ridgeway Hospital for Children
  • Year: 2003
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 2
  • Page/Article: 44-47
  • DOI: 10.4038/sljch.v32i2.727
  • Published on 12 Jul 2009
  • Peer Reviewed