Referral system situation in hospitalized patients, Shiraz-2000

Introduction: Many people from different parts of the country become ill yearly.
The process that patients follow to each medical service, confines the type of
referral. This study is a review in referral method and efficacy of that in Fars
province of Iran.
Methods: This study was performed cross-sectional on 4101 hospitalized patients
in medical university hospitals in 2000. The information was collected from the
patients monthly by face to face interview method and filling forms about:
hospital, referral type, diagnosis, age, sex and residence. Statistical comparisons
were made using Chi-Square and Z tests.
Results: 60% of patients were male and 40% were female. In sparing the number
of patients was more than other seasons, surgery wards have more patients
compared with others. 48% of patients were admitted in Nemazi hospital. 48% of
patients were referral from other provinces and cities other than Shiraz and urban
areas. 44% of patients referred by themselves. Trauma and poisoning were the
dominant diagnosis among patients.
Conclusion: A high percentage of hospitalized patients were out of referral
system. Increasing their information in this field and having referral form can
reduce the number of patients that are admitted in Shiraz hospitals. Trauma
center and emergency rooms need more attention because trauma was the
dominant diagnosis among patients.