TABLE 1.
Themes and sub-themes.
| No. | Themes | Sub-themes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Estimated time taken to refer a patient from one healthcare facility to another | - |
| 2. | Attitude of the receiving doctors towards patient referral | - |
| 3. | Applicability of procedural advice given by receiving doctor | - |
| 4. | Referral doctor’s perceptions regarding the reasons why receiving doctors refuse and/or reluctant to receive patients | - |
| 5. | Consequences of referral delays on patient care | - |
| 6. | Strategies to address referral issues |
|
| 7. | Experience regarding transportation of patients being referred |
|
| 8. | Recommendations to improve referral system | - |