Challenges influencing proper implementation of quality health care referral system in Kaloleni Sub-county, Kilifi County in Kenya

Abstract

The reason behind having referral system in Kenya is to have proper distribution of effective health care services to all Kenyans as well as linking and integrating medical services across all levels of healthcare. In Kenya, most of levels of health care lacks specialized manpower and equipment, proper communication strategies, knowledge on referral system and skilled health workers to deal with referral system. Therefore, this study addresses the challenges influencing the proper implementation of quality referral system of health care in Kaloleni sub-county, Kilifi County in Kenya. Specifically, investigating gaps by the health workers, knowledge and communication factors on implementation of quality health care referral system. A cross-sectional research design was used targeting health care workers in public health care facilities. Self- administered questionnaires were used to obtain quantitative data. The data was cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS V. 22. The inferential statistics discussed finding from Chi-square showing the significance between independent and dependent variables. According to the results, Communication gap with p(0.18) showed to have more significant variable affecting the quality referral system followed by knowledge factor with significant of p(0.499) and finally Nurse’s skills with significant ofp(0.99).