Appendix 2.

Subthemes Description

Subthemes Description	Subthemes	Themes
Technology	Electronic Referrals	The automation of the referral process in which appointment and other information regarding the consultation are transferred between two or more health-care providers.[9]
	Responsiveness	The transition process on referrals can be done in a fast and responsive manner, according to the needs of the patient.[8]
	Coordination	Care coordination involves managing and integrating care across levels of the system and across time in order to ensure patient information is communicated at the right time and to the right people to facilitate the delivery safe, appropriate, and effective care.[69]
	Feedback	The process by which a response includes actions taken and actions to be taken is given by the referral recipient to the referring person
Process	Effectiveness	Referrals are based on scientific knowledge and implemented according to applicable process standards.[8]
	Efficiency	Provide adequate services to fulfill the needs of patients, thus avoiding multiple services.[8]
Organization	Management, policy and planning	Efficient and effective use of material and human resources.[70]
	Patient Centricity	Health officials prioritize health services for the needs and referral preferences of patients and their families.[8]
	Regulation	Written rules governing the procedures and processes of health services.[8]
	Social influence	The influence of a patient’s decision in approving referrals made by the health facility caused by the surrounding environment (e.g., family, friends, and relatives).[8]
	Insurance	An economic device transferring risk from an individual to a company and reducing the uncertainty of risk via pooling.[71]
	Transport	Moving or transferring the patient from one place to another
	Social capital	Networks together with shared norms, values, and understandings that facilitate cooperation within or among groups.[72]
Awareness, attitude and satisfaction	Ability to directly know and perceive, to feel, or to be cognizant of events.[73]	A combination of beliefs and emotions that prepare the patient in advance to look at others or different groups in a positive or negative way.[74] Patients’ emotions, feelings, and their perception of delivered healthcare services.[75]