An audit on transfers from peripheral hospitals to a paediatric unit, Teaching Hospital, Kandy.

Introduction: Many patients are transferred to Teaching hospital, Kandy (THK) from peripheral hospitals for investigation and specialized management. Objectives: To study the pattern of transfers from peripheral hospitals to a paediatric unit in THK and the outcome of management of these transfers. Method: A prospective observational study based on questionnaires was carried out from May to July 2007on children transferred from peripheral hospitals to a paediatric unit in THK. Questionnaires were completed by one of the investigators on admission and on discharge. Results: The study population comprised 146 transferred children, 84% from district and rural hospitals and 16% from base and general hospitals. Forty five percent were admitted outside working hours and 75% were preschoolers. Eighty six percent of transfers were for further management. Fifty nine percent were transferred on the first day of admission. Thirty one percent had respiratory tract infections, 14% febrile convulsions and 10% gastroenteritis. Seventy percent needed basic medical treatment on admission. Only 3% needed intensive care. Fifteen percent had basic investigation results on admission. Sixty five percent were discharged during first two days. Forty eight percent had respiratory tract infections as the final diagnosis. Forty one percent of the transfer forms were well completed with necessary information. In 19% the designation of the transferring officer was not mentioned. Conclusions: Most transfers were from rural and district hospitals and the main reason for transfer was investigation and further management of respiratory tract infection. Transferring officers need to pay more attention to essential information when filling the forms.