Table 4.

Themes and sub-themes from thematic content analysis of responses

Themes and Sub-themes

Transportation barriers inhibiting effective referrals

Long distances

Poor road networks

Lack of appropriate transportation

Communication barriers inhibiting effective referrals

Phone unavailable or not answered at receiving facility

Non-clinical contact at receiving facility

No feedback from receiving facility

Referral protocol and guideline failure

Absence of protocol or guideline

Lack of training on referral processes

Family refusal for newborn referrals

Fear of the unknown

Low expectations for referral outcome

Referral refusal due to financial constraints