Component Task: Referring a Client to Another Facility/Hospital

This is a transfer process initiated by the RCPN in consultation with other health team members from their facility to another facility or hospital in order to meet the needs of the client to ensure continuity of care. This process is initiated after the nurse realizes that the client will need further management in another facility after assessment.

Aims

·         Meet client’s specific needs

·         Ensure continuity of care

·         Prevent complications

·         Promote recovery

Requirements

·         Manual/electronic area register/ records of the client

·         Referral forms

·         Means of transport

Steps

1.        Arrange and put in place all referral documents

2.      Inform client and relatives about the referral and give reasons

3.      Allay client’s fear and anxiety

4.      Call to notify the receiving facility about the referral

5.      Give reasons for the referral to the receiving facility

6.      Enquire about the receiving facility’s protocols and inform the client and relatives 7. Label and pack all accompanying items of the client upon getting a positive feedback from the receiving facility

7.       Allow client and relatives to ask questions about the referral process and answer appropriately

8.      Assist and arrange for transportation

9.      Thank client and relatives and sees them off

10.    Request for a feedback from receiving facility on the state of client

11.      Document all procedures, file folder at the records department