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Give, Celso, Ndima, Sozinho, Steege, Rosie, Ormel, Hermen, McCollum, Rosalind, Theobald, Sally 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9053-211X, Taegtmeyer, Miriam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5377-2536, Kok, Maryse and Sidat, Mohsin
(2019)
'Strengthening referral systems in community health programs: a qualitative study in two rural districts of Maputo Province, Mozambique'. BMC Health Services Research, Vol 19, Issue 263.
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BHSR-D-18-01432_R2 Give et al.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Effective referral systems from the community to the health care facility are essential to save lives and ensure quality and a continuum of care. The effectiveness of referral systems in Mozambique depends on multiple factors that involve three main stakeholders: clients/community members; community health workers (CHWs); and facility-based health care workers. Each stakeholder is dependent on the other and could form either a barrier or a facilitator of referral within the complex health system of Mozambique.
METHODS:
This qualitative study, aiming to explore barriers and enablers of referral within the lens of complex adaptive health systems, employed 22 in-depth interviews with CHWs, their supervisors and community leaders and 8 focus group discussion with 63 community members. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and read for identification of themes and sub-themes related to barriers and enablers of client referrals. Data analysis was supported by the use of NVivo (v10). Results were summarized in narratives, reviewed, discussed and adjusted.
RESULTS:
All stakeholders acknowledged the centrality of the referral system in a continuum of quality care. CHWs and community members identified similar enablers and barriers to uptake of referral. A major common facilitator was the existence of referral slips to expedite treatment upon reaching the health facility. A common barrier was the failure for referred clients to receive preferential treatment at the facility, despite the presence of a referral slip. Long distances and opportunity and transport costs were presented as barriers to accessibility and affordability of referral services at the health facility level. Supervisors identified barriers related to use of referral data, rather than uptake of referral. Supervisors and CHWs perceived the lack of feedback as a barrier to a functional referral system.
CONCLUSIONS:
The barriers and enablers of referral systems shape both healthcare system functionality and community perceptions of care. Addressing common barriers to and strengthening the efficiency of referral systems have the potential to improve health at community level. Improved communication and feedback between involved stakeholders - especially strengthening the intermediate role of CHWs - and active community engagement will be key to stimulate better use of referral services and healthcare facilities.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | WA Public Health > WA 30 Socioeconomic factors in public health (General) WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 395 Health in developing countries WA Public Health > Health Administration and Organization > WA 546 Local Health Administration. Community Health Services |
| Faculty: Department: | Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department |
| Digital Object Identifer (DOI): | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4076-3 |
| Depositing User: | Stacy Murtagh |
| Date Deposited: | 01 May 2019 09:43 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Jun 2023 07:52 |
| URI: | https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/10665 |
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