Patient self-referral patterns in a developing country: characteristics, prevalence, and predictors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Efficient healthcare delivery and access to specialized care rely heavily on a well-established healthcare sector referral system. However, the referral system faces significant challenges in developing nations like Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess self-referral prevalence among patients attending tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh and identify the associated factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at two tertiary care hospital, involving 822 patients visiting their outpatient or inpatient departments. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The patients' mode of referral (self-referral or institutional referral) was considered the outcome variable.

Results

Approximately 58% of the participants were unaware o

SUBMITTER: Hasan MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11110194 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature