Issue Date
2023
Abstract
The referral system in a primary health care facility is an essential factor in addressing different health issues and concerns in the community Through an effective referral system, a steady flow of health and medical services rendered by health providers at the local level, will be provided paving the way of extending health services to people, especially the less fortunate who consult or seek additional medical procedures available in another facility. It is in this context that communication is crucial in the management of the referral system. However, very limited studies are done at the local level of consultation set-up between patients and health providers. Hence, using a descriptive research design, this study assessed the interpersonal communication between patients and health providers on selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the referral system of primary health care units: the barangay health stations (BHSs) and rural health units (RHUs) of Los Baños, Laguna.
Focusing on the aspect of communication between patients and health providers within the consultation set-up, the researcher interviewed 52 randomly-selected patients recorded with NCDs from January-August 2019 using a structured questionnaire. Representatives from the team of the health care providers were also included in the study.
Result of the study shows that patients interviewed cited that the health providers (75%) were their major source of information on NCDs. It is also documented that during consultations, the patients recognized and understood the messages communicated to them by their health providers and followed their advice. Moreover, the health providers, if necessary, referred the patients to other specialists or hospitals for additional tests and medical supplies, and to see a specialist for further evaluation.
To address problems identified in the referral system, the study recommends establishing a better data management system that will integrate patients’ information from the BHSs to RHUs. For the continuous management of NCDs, follow-up check-ups, review of available information, education and communication (IEC) materials, and conduct of information drive and educational campaigns on the prevention and management of NCDs are also recommended.
Source or Periodical Title
UP Los Baños Journal
Volume
21
Issue
2
Page
122-137
Document Type
Article
College
College of Development Communication (CDC)
Language
English
Subject
Referral system, Interpersonal communication, Non-communicable diseases
Recommended Citation
Pua, Lolita B.; Tirol, Maria Stella C.; Tatlonghari, Rosario V.; Gordoncillo, Normahitta P.; and Tandang, Nancy A., "Interpersonal communication between patients and health providers in the referral system for selected non-communicable diseases in primary health care units of Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines" (2023). Journal Article. 5902.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5902