Quality Of Referral, Admission Status And Outcome Of Neonates Referred To Pediatric Emergency Of A Tertiary Care Institution In North India
Abstract Background: We evaluated quality of referral, admission status and outcome of neonates.Methods: We enrolled newborns admitted between March 2016 and October 2016, excluding neonates referred from outpatient department. Information was collected from referral slips, interviewing accompanying persons and observation.Results: 61% were referred from government hospitals with “Sick Newborn Care Units” contributing to maximum. Main mode of transport was ambulance in 80% and referral notes were available in the majority but incomplete in majority. Sepsis (39%), jaundice (16%) and birth asphyxia (13%) were most common diagnoses. Half of the newborns were hemodynamically unstable. 27% had poor circulation, 15% were hypoxic, 9% hypoglycemic and 8% hypothermic. 22% either died or “Left Against Medical Advice” with a high probability of death.Conclusion: National ambulance service is utilized for transporting newborns. However, there are quality gaps which need attention to develop it into efficient referral system.