Résumé
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.