A single-center prospective study analyzing the cardiac referrals made to a tertiary care center in India

BACKGROUND: Healthcare system in most parts of the world functions on a three-tier system, involving primary, secondary, and tertiary care centers. The appropriate and efficient referral system plays crucial role in maximally efficient healthcare delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 46 referrals made to the medicine department of the hospital over a period of 1 month with chief complaint of chest pain and presumptive diagnosis of myocardial ischemia/infarct by outside physicians were selected randomly. Analysis was done both for extent and clarity of useful information provided. RESULTS: Out of 46 referrals, exact indication for referral was mentioned in 4 (8.7%), time of referral in 2 (4.3%), blood pressure in 38 (17.4%), pulse rate in 29 (63.04%), respiratory rate in 1 (2.17%), electrocardiograph diagnosis was not mentioned in 12 (26.08%), and the contact number/details of referring physician were mentioned in 2 (4.34%). Correct dose of aspirin was given to 27 (58.69%), clopidogrel to 19 (41.30%), statins to 9 (19.45%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to 6 (13.04%), beta-blockers to 8 (17.39%), low-molecular weight heparin in 6 (13.04%), and 22 (47.82%) patients warranted thrombolysis, but was given in 12 (54.54%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a serious lack of quality and clarity of important information provided while making referrals.